ExxonMobil tightlipped on Aceh gas re-operations date

American energy giant ExxonMobil Corp.remains reluctant to reveal the exact date of its gas operations resumption in the troubled province of Aceh.

?Until we assess the damage and are able to make the repairs, I can?t give you the exact date,? Ronald Wilson, ExxonMobil Indonesia president said after accompanying ExxonMobil Corp headquarter top officials in a meeting with Minister of energy and mineral resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro late Wednesday.

Wilson said ExxonMobil would be able to start production ?as soon as the damages had been repaired?.

ExxonMobil has deployed its team early this week to evaluate overall security condition, to assess damages and to start repair works.

ExxonMobil was forced to shut down its gas operation in Arun fields in March due to worsening security condition in Aceh, where separatist rebels have been fighting for independence for decades

Government and Pertamina have been pressing ExxonMobil to resume its gas operations early next month. (alex/godang)