The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has accepted Indonesia’s request to reactivate the country’s membership. Indonesia formally asked for reinstatement at the cartel’s June ministerial meeting in Vienna (OGJ Online, June 5, 2015).
The Southeast Asian country withdrew from OPEC in 2009 citing growing internal demand for energy, declining crude oil and condensate production in mature fields, and limited investment to increase production capacity.
Indonesia had become a net importer of petroleum and other liquids by 2004 after domestic demand exceeded production.
Indonesian government officials said that rejoining OPEC will strengthen its cooperation with oil-producing countries, provide greater access to crude oil supplies, and allow the country to be a link between energy producers and consumers.
Indonesia currently buys crude oil and petroleum products through third parties or traders and seeks direct access to long-term crude supply contracts through negotiations between OPEC-member national oil companies.
Indonesia produced about 790,000 b/d of crude and condensates in 2014, the third-lowest level among OPEC countries. Once it rejoins, Indonesia will regain its status as the only Asian member of OPEC and the only member that is a net importer of petroleum and other liquids.
