ENI seeks to extend exploration permit for Ambalat, Bukat blocks

By Bernard Loebs

Italian oil and gas firm ENI SPa, as the operator of the Ambalat and Bukat blocks in East Kalimantan, is in the process of applying for an extension of exploration period at the two blocks for another 1-2 years, said Sugeng Haryanto, Public Relations Manager at PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), ENI?s partner in the two blocks.

Sugeng told Petromindo.com Monday that there has been no operation activities at the two blocks amid lingering border dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia. He added that the governments of the two countries are still in negotiation to resolve the dispute.

PHE in December of last year fully acquired three subsidiaries of Anadarko, which own a 33.75 percent shares in Ambalat and Bukat blocks, and Nunukan block.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak