Conoco wins Natuna Sea exploration block

US oil and gas firm Conoco on Friday confirmed that it had been awarded by Indonesian government exploration right at Nila Block in West Natuna Sea.

?We have won exploration right for Nila Block and we are now waiting for presidential decree,? said AR ?Dudung? Natanegara, Conoco Indonesia?s vice president for development and relations on Friday.

In February this year, government offered nine new exploration blocks, including six block in the prolific area of Makassar Strait.

According to a government source, out of the nine block offered, only six attracted bidders

BP Plc had confirmed that it had won the Bawean I block while Amerada Hess together with Petronas had won Tanjung Aru exploration block in Makassar Strait.

Popodi Block in Makassar Strait attracted French oil giant TotalFinaElf, US oil firm Unocal Corp and a little known firm called Exol.

Exol also submit bid for Papalang and Popodi blocks in Makassar Strait.

the result for the last three blocks is not immediately known.

Taritip and Jangeru blocks in Makassar Straits and the Bawean II block in the Northeast Java Sea failed to attract any bidder. (godang/alex)