Banda Aceh News | BANDA ACEH — The Aceh Oil and Gas Management Agency (BPMA) is aggressively pushing to strengthen the region’s energy investment ecosystem, explicitly looking to emulate the successful development model of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in fostering long-term strategic energy partnerships.
BPMA Head Mawardi Nur championed this vision while addressing the Economic, Energy and Sustainability Forum 2026, held at the BSI Aceh Landmark in Banda Aceh on Friday, November 6, 2026. Speaking under the forum’s central theme, “From Resources to Prosperity,” Mawardi emphasized that while Aceh possesses vast natural resource potential—particularly in oil and gas—fully unlocking this wealth requires robust investment, a conducive business climate, and committed long-term partnerships to yield tangible economic value and community prosperity.
Learning from the UAE Vision
Mawardi cited the UAE as a prime example of a nation that leveraged its energy sector as a cornerstone for expansive, long-term economic strength and diversification.
“The United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides many lessons on how a nation can build its future through great vision, the courage to seize opportunities, and consistency in developing the energy sector and investment,” Mawardi asserted.
He argued that national or regional progress cannot be achieved instantly. Instead, it requires the bold opening of doors to investment, the systematic building of trust, and the creation of a business climate that actively welcomes capital influx.
Furthermore, Mawardi stressed that successfully securing and supporting investment creates a multiplier effect. Proving success for one company builds crucial international confidence, opening pathways for diverse investors from numerous other nations to follow suit.
“When a country succeeds in bringing investment and creating success for one company, trust will grow. Then, other investment opportunities will come, even from different countries. This is the importance of building an investment ecosystem and long-term partnerships,” he explained.
Special Autonomy and Institutional Framework
During his presentation, Mawardi outlined the operational framework governing Aceh’s upstream oil and gas sector. He detailed the strategic mandate of BPMA, existing working areas, and future development roadmaps tailored to the region.
He highlighted that oil and gas management in Aceh operates under unique statutory authority anchored by the Helsinki MoU, Law No. 11 of 2006 on the Governing of Aceh (UUPA), and Government Regulation No. 23 of 2015. Under this legal framework, the Aceh Government holds special joint-management authority over upstream oil and gas resources through BPMA.
BPMA continues to accelerate exploration and exploitation activities across several active blocks in Aceh, encompassing production optimization, 3D seismic surveys, exploratory drilling, and resource potential mapping.
Mawardi concluded that energy sector growth must extend beyond production metrics to generate a broad multiplier effect across the local economy—creating jobs, empowering local industries, and driving sustainable regional growth.
The event was organized by the Central Board of the Madrasah Ulumul Qur’an Alumni and Ex-Students Organization (PB Oralexismuq). Featured panelists included PT PEMA Global Energi President Director Firdaus Noezula, UIN Ar-Raniry Islamic Economics Professor Prof. Dr. Hafas Furqani, and DPRA Commission III Member Muhammad Rizky.
