Pertamina to join with giants to bid for exploration blocks

PT.Pertamina EP, an upstream unit of state oil, gas firm Pertamina, will join hands with Royal Dutch/Shell, Brazilian oil, gas firm Petr?leo Brasileiro S.A and Russian oil, gas giant LukeOil to bid in the next exploration bidding round that would be held later this month.

Pertamina EP President Tri Siwindono told Petromindo.Com on Tuesday that the companies are interested to explore for oil, gas in Semai blocks, offshore West Papua and other deepwater areas.

There will be five blocks offered in Semai area, namely Semai I-V.

?Pertamina is trying to set its foot to deepwater prospects in Eastern part of Indonesia by joining hands with those giants,? he said.

He also added that Pertamina and Shell also plan to conduct joint studies on several deepwater prospects in Papua.

Government is scheduled to offer 25 exploration blocks through regular bidding and direct offer later this month. (godang)