Riau governor to meet Minister Purnomo to discuss CPP oil field

Riau governor Saleh Djasit will soon meet Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro to discuss the province's position concerning with the future of the Coastal Plain Pekanbaru (CPP) oil field ahead of the issuance of the government's final decision on the oil field within the next few weeks, Riau Pos reported on Saturday.

The governor said on Friday that he would use the opportunity to convey the Riau people's aspiration.

Last week, a special delegation led by the governor met President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri demanding the government to allow the province to have controlling stake in a joint venture that will run the CPP oil field after the contract, which is currently held by Caltex Pacific Indonesia, expires in August.

The delegation also asked the two leaders to give the chance to the province to become the operator of the oil block if the government objects the province's demand to hold the majority stake in the planned joint venture.

But the two leaders asked the governor during the meeting to discuss the issue directly to Minister Purnomo before the government issues its final stance within the next few weeks. (*)