Sapeken Oil and Gas Scandal: Sumenep Government Urges SKK Migas to Resolve Conflict

SUMENEP, Madura Expose — The presence of the Cooperation Contract Contractor (KKS), PT MGA Utama Energi, in the waters of Sepanjang Village, Sapeken District, Sumenep Regency, is currently facing a crisis of confidence from the local community. Following accusations of regulatory breaches and a lack of communication from advocate Kurniadi, SH, the Sumenep Regency Government has responded with a pledge of mediation and a strong push for SKK Migas to intervene.

Advocate Kurniadi’s Accusations: Regulatory Violations and Public Discontent

Advocate Kurniadi, SH, a well-known vocal figure, asserted that PT MGA Utama Energi’s operations have allegedly violated fundamental obligations, specifically concerning public socialization. Citing Law No. 22 of 2001 on Oil and Natural Gas and Government Regulation No. 35 of 2004, Kurniadi stated that oil and gas companies are required to involve the public, particularly in the process of drafting an Environmental Impact Analysis (AMDAL).

“Failure to comply with these provisions can lead to serious conflict with the community,” Kurniadi stressed, which has prompted a demand for SKK Migas to take decisive action, including the potential revocation of the company’s operational license.

Sumenep Government’s Response: Mediation and an Official Letter to SKK Migas

In response to this controversy, the Sumenep Regency Government has declared its readiness to mediate. The Head of the Economic and Natural Resources Division of the Sumenep Regency Secretariat, Dadang Dedy Iskandar, disclosed that his office would immediately send an official letter to SKK Migas. This step is being taken to pressure KKS PT MGA Utama Energi to promptly resolve the ongoing issues.

“We will send a letter to SKK Migas, asking them to help us communicate the problem. This is so that the synergy between the government, the oil and gas investor, and the local community is not impacted by this KKS issue,” Dadang stated on Monday (24/06/2024).

He added that strong synergy among the government, investors, and local residents is the key to ensuring that all processes run smoothly. Dadang also acknowledged that the local government has been in communication with the Public Relations team of PT MGA Utama Energi, which has promised to relay these concerns to the management.

Message to the Public and Next Steps

In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Dadang Dedy Iskandar requested that the people of Sepanjang Village not be provoked. He emphasized the importance of communicating through the correct channels, namely via the Sub-district Government, to ensure that all information is properly received and forwarded to the Regency Government.

“If there is any information, convey it to the sub-district government, so they can then forward it to the Regency Government,” he urged.

Meanwhile, the Sepanjang Student Movement plans to hold an audience with the DPRD (Regional House of Representatives) and the Sumenep Regency Government. All parties are now awaiting concrete steps from SKK Migas and PT MGA Utama Energi in response to the public’s criticism and grievances, with the ultimate goal of achieving a balanced and sustainable solution.

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