Saudi Aramco Asia Company Limited (SAAC), a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, and PT Pertamina (Persero) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly evaluate the economic feasibility to build an integrated refining and petrochemical project in Tuban in East Java, in the Republic of Indonesia. 'This MOU is a significant first step in extending our already strong relationship with Pertamina, and is also part of Saudi Aramco strategy to enhance its global downstream presence,' said Dawood M. Dawood Vice President, Marketing, Supply & Joint Venture Coordination, Saudi Aramco. Saudi Aramco is committed to making win-win investments with partners for projects that yield mutual benefits and contribute to economic growth and development,' he said in a press release issued here yesterday. The proposed refinery and petrochemicals project will be designed to process 300,000 barrels per day of crude oil, much of which will be supplied by Saudi Aramco pursuant to a long-term contract, and will produce high-quality refined petroleum and petrochemicals products to meet rising demand in Indonesia and elsewhere in southeast Asia. The project represents an opportunity for Saudi Aramco to partner with Pertamina, Indonesia state oil and gas company, and to capitalize on investment opportunities in Indonesia growing downstream industry. Additionally, it extends the close cooperation between Saudi Aramco and Pertamina and increases prospects for industrialization and economic diversification in Indonesia. This cooperation in investment with Saudi Aramco is of the highest value for both Pertamina and the Republic of Indonesia to strengthen the fuel and petrochemical supply, to satisfy the huge domestic demand now and for the future, said M. Afdal Bahaudin, Pertamina Director for Investment Planning and Risk Management. Pertamina fully supports our partner to make a successful project that is beneficial to both parties and that further strengthens our cooperation with Saudi Aramco. The Tuban refinery and petrochemicals project is part of Pertamina plan to improve Indonesia energy security. Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, a project team will work on the next phase of the project, comprising a joint scoping study that will include market research, configuration studies and economic analysis.
