Pekanbaru — The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of Universitas Riau, in collaboration with the Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (FITRA) of Riau Province, held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Development of an Outline for a Study on the Governance of Participating Interest (PI) in the Oil and Gas Sector on Wednesday (4/2/2026). The activity forms part of efforts to promote transparent, accountable, and public-oriented natural resource governance in Riau Province.
The FGD, which took place in the FISIP UNRI Laboratory Room, was attended by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of FISIP UNRI as well as FISIP academics. The presence of academics from various disciplines is expected to provide a multidisciplinary perspective in developing a comprehensive, research-based study framework.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of FISIP UNRI, Dr. Auradian Marta, S.IP., M.A., emphasized the importance of the role of higher education institutions in supporting public policy formulation grounded in scientific research. He noted that governance issues related to Participating Interest in the oil and gas sector have strategic implications for the regional economy, and therefore require objective, critical, and constructive academic input.
According to him, the involvement of lecturers and laboratory coordinators in this FGD reflects FISIP UNRI’s commitment to actively contributing to the strengthening of natural resource governance, particularly in the energy sector. “Higher education institutions have a moral and academic responsibility to present analyses that can serve as references for policymakers,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of FITRA Riau Province, Tarmizi, explained that the FGD served as a forum for dialogue between civil society organizations and academics in formulating the outline of a study on PI governance in the oil and gas sector. He stated that input from FISIP UNRI is crucial in enriching the study’s approach, covering aspects of public policy, governance, as well as social and economic dimensions.
Tarmizi further added that the study currently being developed by FITRA Riau is aimed at encouraging more transparent PI management that is oriented toward the welfare of communities in oil- and gas-producing regions. Therefore, collaboration with higher education institutions is considered strategic in producing policy recommendations based on data and academic analysis.
The discussions during the FGD were dynamic, featuring a range of views and inputs from participants. Several strategic issues were discussed, including the regulatory framework for PI, the role of local governments, oversight mechanisms, and the social and economic implications of oil and gas sector governance at the regional level.
On a separate occasion, the Dean of FISIP Universitas Riau, Dr. Meyzi Heriyanto, S.Sos., M.Si., expressed his appreciation for the implementation of the FGD. He viewed the activity as a positive synergy between FISIP UNRI and FITRA Riau in promoting better natural resource governance practices. According to him, such collaboration aligns with FISIP UNRI’s vision as a center for the development of social and political sciences that is responsive to strategic regional and national issues.
The Dean of FISIP UNRI also reaffirmed the faculty’s openness to continuing cooperation with various stakeholders, including government institutions and civil society organizations, in the fields of research, policy studies, and community service. He expressed hope that the outcomes of the FGD would make a tangible contribution to strengthening sustainable governance of the oil and gas sector in Riau Province.
Through this FGD, FISIP UNRI and FITRA Riau hope to produce a comprehensive and applicable study outline that can serve as a reference for stakeholders in formulating transparent, fair, and community-oriented policies on Participating Interest management in the oil and gas sector.
(Enggy-AM)
