Govt to offer more exploration blocks

By Godang Sitompul

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will announce 2014 first exploration blocks bidding round in May, in conjunction with Indonesia Petroleum Association (IPA) Convention in Jakarta.

Ministry?s Head of Conventional Working Area Sub-directorate Yunan Muzafar told Petromindo.Com on Wednesday that the government will open regular tender for 5-10 blocks and 6-10 blocks under direct offer tender.

Among companies which have confirmed intention to acquire blocks through direct offer is Royal Dutch/Shell, which is eyeing South Moa block in Timor Sea and Petcon in Kuala Kurun block, onshore Central Kalimantan, he said.

Editing by Alexander Ginting