T

he Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry announced on Wednesday the six winners of the second phase of this year’s oil-and-gas blocks tender.

The investment commitment from the six winning companies is expected to top US$38.15 million in the first three years, with signing bonuses of $6.5 million.

The winners included Eurorich Group Ltd, which was awarded a exploration contract for the Kalyani Onshore field in Jambi; PT Anugrah Mutiara Sentosa, to develop the South Baturaja field in South Sumatra; PT Terra Global Vestal, to develop the North Baturaja field in South Sumatra; PT Mentaru Abdi Pertiwi, to develop the Kuala Pambuang field in Central Kalimantan; Serica Energy Ltd, Neon Energy Ltd and Natuna Ventures Pte., to develop the offshore Tanjung Aru field in East Kalimantan; and Niko Resources (Overseas XIX) Ltd, to develop the Southeast Seram field in Maluku.

The ministry said seven out of eight coal bed methane (CBM) blocks offered were taken by investors with total investments of $35.65 million and $7.5 million in signing bonuses.

PT Sugico Graha was awarded contracts to develop five CBM fields: Bangkanai I, Bangkanai II, Bangkanai III, Bangkanai IV and the West Sanga Sanga I blocks. The government also awarded contracts to PT Sumber Daya Energi to develop the Tanah Laut block and PT Citra Pita Niagatama to develop the Kuala Kapuas II.

Ministry oil and gas chief Evita Herawati Legowo warned the winners not to sell their contracts to other parties, expecting the companies to complete exploration and move into production in the future.

Late last month, the government announced the winners of tenders to explore and develop of 11 oil and gas blocks, including the Arguni I block, which was won by Eni Arguni I Limited; East Jabung, won by Pan Orient Energy East Jabung; Ranau won by Prabu Energy; Northeast Madura, won by Techwin Energy Northeast Madura; West Tanjung, won by PT MRI Energy; Belayan, won by PT Geraldo Energy; East Simenggaris, won by Sonlaw United Corporation; North Ganal, won by Niko Resources (North Ganal), North Ganal Energy, Statoil Indonesia North Ganal AS, Eni North Ganal Limited and GDF Suez New Project Indonesia B.V.