Govt formally tenders 11 oil exploration blocks

The government on Saturday formally tendered 11 oil exploration areas in four provinces for production sharing deals.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro declared the opening of the tender during a conference on oil and mining in Bali.

The oil exploration blocks are located in Jambi (2), East Java (7), Central Java (1) and East Kalimantan (1).

Province	Block Name
?Jambi	1. Merangin I Block
?	2. Merangin II Block
?East Java	1. South Madura Block
?	2. Bulu Offshore Block
?	3. Northeast Madura I Offshore Block
?	4. Northeast Madura II Offshore Block
?	5. North Bali I Offshore Block
?	6. North Bali II Offshore Block
?	7. East Kangean Offshore Block
?Central Java	1. Rembang Offshore Block
?East Kalimantan	1. Tarakan Offshore Block

Meanwhile, oil and gas director general Iin Arifin Takhyan told Petromindo.Com on Saturday investors wishing to take part in the tender have to submit their bid documents no later than July 31 of 2003.

Iin Arifin said that the government would hold meetings with interested investors between February 24 to July 22 to clarify matters relevant to the tender. (godang)