ExxonMobil told to return data on Natuna D-Alpha block

The government has asked oil and gas company ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia Inc. to meet the entire obligations and return data on Natuna D-Alpha block to pave the way for the gas field to be an open acreage permanently, Bisnis Indonesia reported Wednesday.

?ExxonMobil has to meet its obligation (in respect to its previous operation) in Natuna block, such as returning the data, which has to be studied by BP Migas (the upstream oil and gas regulatory body),? Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to the minister, after ExxonMobil completed its obligations, Natuna D-Alpha block will turn to be an open acreage permanently and in this way, the government will be able to decide what next steps to be taken, whether it will offer (the Natuna D-Alpha block) by opening a regular tender or through a direct offer scheme.

Purnomo asserted that legally speaking, ExxonMobil?s contract in Natuna block has already been completed in compliance with a letter that he, as Energy and Mineral resources Minister, has written, saying that the contract has already expired.

However, Purnomo said, while Natuna Block still in the transitional period before turning to be an open acreage, Exxon has an access to negotiation.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil?s executive has reportedly had a talk with BP Migas head Kardaya Warnika to discuss the contract on Natuna D-Alpha Block. (*)