70 Years of the Duri Oil Field: Indonesia's Energy Heartbeat Endures

• 24 Sep 2024
• mk.novian.kusmana

Duri – For over seven decades, the Duri oil field has been the lifeblood of Indonesia's energy industry. Discovered in 1941 and beginning production in 1954, this vast operational area in Riau Province, covering 67.28 km², has produced more than 2.75 billion barrels of crude oil, establishing itself as one of the largest and most productive oil fields in the country.

Cece Muharam, a senior engineer with decades of experience at the Duri field, reflects on its early years: “The brilliant discovery of the first oil well in Duri, now Area #2, was swiftly followed by further discoveries at other well sites, revealing the immense potential of this field.” However, drilling was temporarily halted during World War II and only resumed after Indonesia's independence, with early production sent via rivers to Sei Pakning in Bengkalis Regency.

Infrastructure quickly followed, with roads, pipelines, electricity networks, and storage tanks being established. By 1958, the pipeline from Duri to Dumai port was completed, marking a major milestone. The Duri area also became a residential hub for the growing workforce needed to support its large-scale production.

The field’s primary oil production peaked in 1965, reaching 65 thousand barrels per day. However, as reservoir pressure dropped and Duri’s thick crude became harder to extract, production began to decline. In response, studies into Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods began in 1975, culminating in the successful implementation of Steamflood technology by 1985, which revitalised the field.

By 1995, Duri was producing an impressive 302 thousand barrels per day, though this level has since declined. The Steamflood method, injecting hot steam into the reservoir to make the thick oil more fluid, has revolutionised production, extending the field’s lifespan and boosting efficiency.

Now celebrating its 70th anniversary, the history of the Duri oil field showcases how advances in technology and the expansion of operational areas have been key to its success. The opening of North Duri Development (NDD) Area 12 in 2009 and Area 13 in 2013 provided temporary boosts in production, though no new areas have been developed since, and the natural decline of production continues.

Since the transfer of management to PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) in August 2021, efforts have been made to explore new development opportunities, including NDD Area 14 Stage-1. As part of these efforts, PHR is deploying new technologies to optimise the Steamflood process and sustain production levels in the Rokan Block.

Rikky Rahmat Firdaus, Head of the SKK Migas Representative for the Sumbagut Region, emphasised the significant contribution of Duri to Indonesia’s economy. Revenue from Duri has supported national infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects, while also creating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and spurring economic growth in the Riau region. “Duri crude oil is deeply intertwined with Indonesia’s economic and community development,” Rikky noted.

As such, Rikky called on the public to support the protection of state-owned land (BMN) in the region, a valuable national asset that benefits the community.

Rudi Ariffianto, Corporate Secretary of PHR, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the sustainable and optimal management of the Duri field. “We aim to continue maximising the benefits of Duri for the community and the nation,” he said. However, Rudi stressed the need for cooperation from all stakeholders, including the government and local communities.

“For the safety and prosperity of all, we urge everyone to refrain from encroaching on or conducting unauthorised activities on state-owned land within PHR’s operational area,” Rudi added.

The Duri oil field remains a symbol of Indonesia’s enduring energy legacy, one that continues to power the nation while adapting to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
 

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