Indonesia offers 25 oil and gas blocks to lure investment

The Indonesian government kicked off the tender for 25 onshore and offshore oil and gas production areas in its efforts to lure more private investment aimed at boosting the country's energy output.
According to data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the 25 blocks are dispersed from the western island of Sumatra to easternmost Papua. With seven blocks on offer, Sumatra holds the majority of the offers.

Director general of the oil and gas industry Luluk Sumiarso said the offer was the first stage of a series of tenders in the energy sector this year.
"We plan to put another 25 blocks on offer in October," he told.

Earlier this month, the government awarded five oil and gas contracts worth $ 201.45 mm to several local and foreign bidders including CNOOC and Malaysia's Petronas.