RI, Norway boost energy ties

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian and Norwegian governments have decided to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, a senior Indonesian government official said on Monday.

Director General of Oil and Natural Gas Rachmat Sudibyo said Indonesia was interested in particular with Norway's technical expertise in the oil and gas sector.

"Norway has vast maritime experience in the energy sector, which Indonesia as an archipelago needs," Rachmat said on the sidelines of the Second Indonesia -- Norway Bilateral Energy Consultation.

The consultation meeting ended on Monday with the agreement to develop ties between state oil and gas research center Lemigas and Norway's Geolab Nor and between state-owned electricity company PT PLN and Norway's Statkraft.

During the meeting, participants discussed the Indonesian energy situation, its current challenges, as well as the Norwegian oil and gas sector, its development, management and policies.

Participants also completed five technical workshops related to gas pipeline development, oil spills, geochemistry technology, deepwater and subsea technology and the power sector. (bkm)