Chevron has confirmed that it is to work alongside the government of Indonesia in the construction of a planned technical training college in the province of Aceh.

Under the new agreement, the firm will contribute some $6 million towards the $16 million project, with assistance to also come from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the country's National Education Department.

This would bring the total amount of money committed to the Tsunami-hit province under the Chevron Aceh Recovery Initiative to more than $14.5 million.

According to local education heads, the new polytechnic will provide vocational training for locals looking to work in a number of industries, including the oil and gas sector, IT and engineering.

"The polytechnic opens a new chapter in rebuilding Aceh society," explained Rhonda Zygocki, Chevron vice president for policy, government and public affairs.

"It will build the capacity of dozens of community leaders, teach thousands of students critical technology skills and help restore countless livelihoods."

Late last month, the secretary general of the Indonesian Geologists Association was quoted by Indonesian Business Daily as stating that around 20 new oil and gas basins have been discovered in the east of the country in recent weeks.

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