However, Sugiharto was confident that Medco would be able to acquire two blocks in Aceh and a gas block South Sulawesi and that the company would be able to acquire around 10 further oil and gas fields over the next five years. He believes that it is essential for the company to do so in "order to raise production and offset declining reserves."

Medco won exploration rights in September for the Merangin oil and gas block in South Sumatra but had recently lost out to Star Energy for a 31.25% stake in the Kakap oil area.