Carbon capture - A transformative business for Indonesia
ExxonMobil Indonesia President Carole Gall believes that developing a carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry in Indonesia could spark a ripple effect of economic growth and opportunities.
CCS is rapidly gaining traction in the country, which is positioning itself to become a key regional hub for this emerging sector. The technology works by capturing carbon dioxide that would otherwise enter the atmosphere and transporting it to suitable geological formations—such as those found in Indonesia—where it can be securely stored deep underground.
While there are multiple routes to achieving net-zero emissions, most scenarios highlight the critical role of CCS in reducing industrial carbon emissions, while still supporting energy demand and economic development.
“CCS enables hard-to-abate industries like cement, steel and manufacturing to continue to thrive. Those industries are essential to our everyday lives. For a country like Indonesia with great economic growth potential and a growing population, CCS is particularly important to reconcile growth and environmental ambitions.”
- Carole Gall, ExxonMobil Indonesia President
Describing CCS as a transformative industry with significant "multiplier effects," Carole Gall emphasizes its potential to drive economic growth, elevate living standards, and support Indonesia’s continued development.
“It’s crucial for everyone to grasp the multiplier effect of CCS,” Carole explains. “By establishing CCS in Indonesia, we’re not only cutting emissions—we’re also creating opportunities for new industries, attracting businesses, and bringing fresh investments into the country.”
The power of people
One of Indonesia’s greatest strengths lies in its people. With over 125 years of presence in the archipelago, ExxonMobil has witnessed firsthand the depth of local talent and expertise. Today, more than 95% of ExxonMobil Indonesia’s workforce is proudly made up of Indonesian professionals.
“Our Indonesian operations are for the most part run by Indonesian employees who demonstrate outstanding capabilities and skills. Our engineers, geoscientists, commercial minds and operations workforce are second-to-none. Their skills can be leveraged not only to provide the energy that Indonesia needs but also to reduce emissions.”
CCS, just like the oil and gas industry, requires high safety and environmental standards. For this, Indonesia is also well-positioned. “ExxonMobil in Indonesia has been the gold standard when it comes to safety and environmental performance. Nothing is more important. It is our people who make the difference. We care for one another, and we care for the environment.”
A Collaborative Effort
ExxonMobil is joining forces with Indonesia’s state-owned energy company, Pertamina, to develop the Asri CCS hub—an ambitious carbon capture and storage project with the potential to store several gigatonnes of CO₂ from across the region.
The two companies are working hand-in-hand to advance the Asri CCS initiative, with strong backing and leadership from the Indonesian government in shaping a regulatory framework to support CCS activities.
“Indonesia is making remarkable progress in developing the necessary regulations for CCS operations,” says Carole. “We truly appreciate the government’s collaborative approach and its openness to industry input.”
Carole adds, “It’s incredibly exciting to work together on such transformative projects. These efforts not only contribute to lowering emissions, but also help improve quality of life, meet society’s growing energy needs, and build a more sustainable future.”