Niko Resources to begin exploration in Papua this year

Niko Resources Ltd plan to begin exploration activities at the company?s West Papua IV and Kofiau oil and gas blocks in Papua in the second semester of this year, the company?s executive said.

Manager for Health, Safety and Environment Umar Hidayat said during a meeting with senior officials of the Raja Empat and Kaimana regencies in the province recently.

Umar said that during the meeting, Niko Resources explained to representatives of the two regencies about the exploration plan and asked their support in conducting the exploration activities.

Niko Resources planned to conduct exploration drilling in the Kofiau block in Raja Empat in August, this year and in West Papua IV bloc in Kaimana in October.

Kaimana regent Matias Mairuma said the local government and its people fully supported the company?s operation. ?We hope the company can find gas and oil reserves so that their activities will bring positive impact on the local residents,? he added.

Meanwhile Raja Ampat regent Markus Wanma urged the company to conduct a socialization program about its exploration plan to residents near the oil block to avoid misunderstanding. With socialization program, the company would get a wide support from the local people, he added.

Editing by Roffie Kurniawan