Japex Buton to start exploration later this month

Japex Buton Limited, the operator of Buton Block, has planned to start drilling exploration of Benteng well 1 in South Lasalimu district of Buton regency later on February this year.

?We hope that all parties will support so that the exploration will proceed as planned," said Japex Buton's General Affairs Manager Sumiyanto, after a meeting with the local administration over the weekend.

Present during the meeting were Buton's Acting Regent Nasruan, Japex Buton Limited General Manager Minoru Kuniyasu, and Upstream authority BPMIGAS Head of Operation for Kalimantan and Sulawesi region, Yayat Hidayat.

Yayat noted that the drilling would be conducted to prove whether there was oil reserve or not. If it is economical, then it will go on with production, which will improve the welfare of all stakeholders, including the local people, up to the highest level possible.

BPMIGAS and Japex Buton Ltd had stated that they were committed to maximize the role of local people in the oil and gas activities. "Japex has employed 65 local people. We'll further increase their involvement in the block activities," said Yayat.

Nasruan said that basically his administration supported the oil and gas activities and hoped that the business would generate the local economy, which then would help improve the welfare of local people.

Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.