JAKARTA (Indonesia Today) – The government of Indonesia expects the signing of cooperation contract for oil and gas in east Natuna block to be conducted by end of this year following the completion of its development study by end of September 2012.

Evita Legowo, Director General of Oil & Gas, said the development study conducted by an independent consultant will be reported to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Minister of Finance for further discussion.

The development of east Natuna block is one priority program for oil and gas upstream this year.

PT Pertamina and its partners, Esso Natuna Ltd, Total E&P Activities Petrolieres,