Oil deposit in Covalima

Oil deposit in Covalima

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A survey conducted by state-owned oil company, Pertamina, has found an oil deposit along the coastal area of Covalima regency, East Timor.

Covalima regent Herman Sudyono told Antara here last week that the size of the deposit has yet to be estimated.

"The survey's results have been brought to Jakarta to determine on whether or not the oil deposit will be explored," he said.

He said there are signs that the Portuguese colonial administration had attempted to exploit the resources in the area. Several pieces of drilling equipment were still left on shore.

He said he hoped Indonesia could start exploration in December this year.

Chairman of the local legislative council Toto Marinho Pinto said that the oil deposit should be tapped to help improve the welfare of the local people. (rms)