Govt offers 19 new blocks

By Godang Sitompul

The government is offering 19 blocks in the first round tender of 2013 for investors to explore and develop oil and gas in various parts of the country.

The blocks were officially offered by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in his speech to mark the opening of the annual 37th Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The 19 blocks consist of 16 blocks which investors can bid through direct proposal scheme and 3 blocks which investors can obtain through regular tender procedure. The 16 blocks are Palmerah Baru, Sakti, North Madura II, North East Madura IV, Anugerah, East Bontang, North Adang, South Sulawesi I, South Sulawesi II, South East Sulawesi I, South East Sulawesi II, West Abadi, Yamdena, South Aru, Bird?s Head, Merauke. The three blocks are Sumba Sawu, East Seringapatam and East Abadi.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon