Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro Tuesday denied reports that Indonesia had sent a letter to the OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) secretariat general to downgrade its status in the organization from member to observer.

"I have checked with the Foreign Affairs Ministry. There has been no such letter (to OPEC)," Purnomo was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

The reports said the Foreign Affairs Ministry had made a recommendation on Indonesia's membership in OPEC to free the country from the obligation to pay 1 million US dollars annual membership fee.

In its recommendation, the ministry reportedly provided several options for the government among others to maintain Indonesia's membership in OPEC until it turned into a net importer of oil, which would mean the country could no longer comply with OPEC requirements.

It also recommended the country's withdrawal from OPEC or change of status from member to observer.

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2005)