Eni, Chevron to start exploration in Ambalat

Upstream oil, gas regulator BPMIGAS said on Monday that Italian oil, gas firm Eni SpA and US oil giant Chevron Corp would start exploration activities this year in Ambalat blocks, offshore East Kalimantan.

BPMIGAS deputy operation Budi Indianto told Petromindo.Com that the exploration would tentatively begin this year, but BPMIGAS has not officially announced the activities yet, he said.

According to him, Eni will conduct exploration first in its Ambalat block and later Chevron in its East Ambalat block. But he did not give details.

Since 2004, the area has become a source of dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia. Both countries claim to have rights over the East Ambalat and Ambalat blocks. (godang)