Aceh wants stake in ExxonMobil's unit

The Aceh provincial administration voiced interest to buy some shares in the gas operation of American oil and gas company ExxonMobil in the province.

"If we are allowed to have some shares in ExxonMobil's (units in the province), why not? I myself want that the Aceh provincial administration will have shares in all companies operating in the province," Aceh governor Abdullah Puteh told reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony in which Pertamina hands over aids to Aceh.

Abdullah said the province had yet to determine the number of shares in ExxonMobil's units it wanted to buy

"The most important of all for the province is that it will have shares in the company's operation," he said, adding the province would set up a company to acquire the shares.

State oil and gas company Pertamina's president Baihaki Hakim said he welcomed the province's intention.

"Aceh has for long wanted to operate oil fields in the province. There are several oil fields which the province-owned companies have asked to operate. The request is welcomed," Baihaki said.

ExxonMobil currently operates a number of gas fields in the province and liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Arun. (Godang)