Total eyeing Sumatra, Sulawesi oil, gas blocks

Total E&P Indonesie, the Indonesian unit of French oil, gas giant Total SA is launching "joint study" on several areas in Sumatra and South Sulawesi in a preliminary bid to acquire oil and gas assets there, company spokesperson told Petromindo.com.

Under the existing regulations, companies are allowed to carry out pre-exploration study with the government. Such companies will be given priviliges to acquire the areas in the future.

Judith Navarro said that the areas that Total is going to study include Nias, Bengkulu and Mentawai and Telen and South East Yakin blocks in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

She did not give more details. (godang)