BP lands deal in Indonesia

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JAKARTA, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- A contract to exploit an onshore oil and gas field in Indonesia confirms BP's long-term interest in working in the country, an executive said.

The Indonesian government announced it awarded British energy company BP with a contract to control all of the interests in the North Arafura oil and gas assets in onshore Papua Province.

William Lin, the president of Asia exploration and production for BP, said in a statement that his company was eager to expand its presence in the region.

"This award is further evidence of BP's commitment to a long-term presence in Indonesia, working in partnership with the government of Indonesia both centrally and regionally," he added.

The coastal North Arafura concession covers more than 1,900 square miles of land near the Arafura Sea.

The British energy company said it expects to start the early phases of its operations in Indonesia "in the near future."