This article appeared in the Reuters data feed today. Thought it might make
a nice plot hook.
Exxon Mobil Indonesia -- a unit of U.S.-based Exxon Mobil Corp --
closed its Aceh gas fields last month, halting output at the key PT Arun NGL
gas plant and forcing utilities in Japan and South Korea to seek alternative
supplies.
It blamed the closure on the cumulative effect of dozens of security
incidents over the past two years in the province, where separatist rebels
have been seeking independence for decades.
Police said at least five people were killed at the weekend in the
latest outbreak of violence, which occured near one of Exxon's gas fields at
Lhoksukon.
"Five people were killed in several separate incidents on Saturday and
Sunday," Aceh police deputy spokesman Dharsono told Reuters from the
provincial capital Banda Aceh.
"Shootings and arson are still rampant in the villages," he added.
Only on Thursday, a second fire broke out at one of Exxon's gas fields
causing extensive damage to a warehouse. The cause of the fire was not
known.
Indonesia has been pushing for Exxon to resume production despite
continued violence and unexplained fires at the oil giant's facilities.
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