Indonesia Approves Plan to Build Offshore Gas Field In Disputed South China Sea

A security ship crew of Indonesia's Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries prepares to anchor in Natuna during security patrols along Indonesia's exclusive economic zone, in Ranai, Indonesia, on Aug. 16, 2016. Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images

Indonesia on Jan. 2 approved the initial plan to build the Tuna offshore gas field near its maritime border with Vietnam in the contested South China Sea, which will be used to export natural gas to Vietnam in 2026.

SKK Migas, the country’s upstream oil and gas regulator, said that the Tuna field will cost about $3.07 billion and is expected to produce at least 115 million standard cubic feet per day by 2027.