TotalFinaElf to commence exploration drilling in Donggala block this year

French oil giant TotalFinaElf will drill at least three exploration well in its newly acquired deepwater Donggala block in Makassar Strait this year, according to a company executive.

?We plan to commence drilling in September or October this year. If the results are encouraging, we will drill two more later,? Roland Festor, TotalFinaElf E&P Indonesia president and general manager.

TotalFinaElf acquired Donggala block, its first deepwater project Indonesia, from the government of Indonesia late last year after facing stiff competition from deepwater developer Unocal Indonesia.

TotalFinaElf and its partner Japan?s Inpex each holds 42.5 percent interest in Donggala block, while state oil and gas firm Pertamina holds the remaining 15 percent. (alex)