In a statement the exploration director with Indonesia’s mines and energy ministry Novian Thaib said, “Indonesia on Tuesday (2 November) awarded local and foreign companies 12 new oil and gas blocks for exploration [and] the companies are expected to invest a total US$163 million during the first three years of exploration.”

“Companies awarded blocks included Petronas Carigali, a unit of Malaysia’s Petronas; Anadarko Petroleum Corp. from the United States; and Portugal's Altar Sociedade de Investimentol Mobiliario,” he added.

The winners are: Medco E&P (Nunukan Block), Petronas Carigali (offshore Northeast Madura IV Block), Anadarko (Northeast Madura III Block), Altar Sociedade de Investimentol Mobiliario SA (Barito Block), Genting Oil and Gas Ltd (offshore Northwest Natuna Block), PT Waropen Perkasa (Manokwari Block), PT Tropik Energi Indonesia (Pandan Block), PT Binakarindo Yaco Agung (Air Komering Block), PT Seleraya (Belida Block), PT Easco East Sepanjang (East Sepanjang Block), PT Kutai Etam Petroleum (Senangka Senipah Block), Transworld Exploration Ltd (Seruway Block).

According to Thaib, the 12 blocks are merely the precursor for more blocks being offered. Ten blocks are expected to be offered in December and these acreages include one Natuna Sea block, one South Sumatra block and three offshore Sulawesi blocks.