14 September 2023 – Following the success of the G2G Decommissioning and Rigs-to-Reefs (R2R) Re-utilization of the Attaka-EB Platform between Korea and Indonesia last year, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia (MMAF) aims to create a clear policy for oil and gas operators to reef decommissioned offshore rigs. This R2R policy is hoped to further be integrated into the national decommissioning plan that is currently being developed by the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas).

Facilitated by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and supported by KIORCC, an online meeting was scheduled between both governments to discuss and share knowledge concerning offshore platform decommissioning and R2R. The American Government was represented by experts from BSEE, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), whereas the Indonesian side comprised representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investments (CMMAI), the MMAF, SKK Migas, and KIORCC.

Inspired by the R2R program in the Gulf of Mexico, the Government of Indonesia (GOI) plans to implement and adapt certain American Government practices into the Indonesian system. Through this meeting, various aspects of R2R were discussed, including platform removal techniques; supporting regulations; funding and donation schemes; state and operator liability; reefing zonation; monitoring plans; and artificial reef benefits and utilization.
Through constructive discussions such as this, the GOI hopes to continue to not only learn more from the U.S. government practices but also exchange ideas to mutually support the continuous development of the R2R programs of both countries. Through effective R2R practices and a transparent funding scheme, the GOI along with KIORCC hopes to implement safe, cost-saving, and environmentally beneficial solutions to decommission the hundreds of non-operational offshore platforms standing in Indonesian waters.
