BP signs Indonesian coalbed methane deal

The Jakarta Post, Associated Press, Jakarta, Fri, 04/01/2011

BP PLC says it has signed four new production sharing contracts with Indonesian partners to access coalbed methane in the country.

BP said Friday that the four areas, covering some 4,800 square kilometers in the Barito basin of South Kalimantan, will complement existing operations in Indonesia.

BP has a 44 percent stake in one contract with Pertamina holding the remainder, and a 45 percent stake in the other three contracts with PT Sugico Graha holding the remainder.

Chief Executive Bob Dudley says the contracts awarded by the Indonesian government will tap BP's "significant experience and expertise in the development of unconventional gas."

The London-based company has recently signed agreements to access new resources in Indonesia, China, India and Australia.