PHR's Exploration and Innovation Efforts Boost Rokan Block's Oil Potential for Indonesia

• 12 Jul 2024
• mk.novian.kusmana

Pekanbaru - Following the transfer of the Rokan Block management, PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) is vigorously enhancing oil and gas production through exploration activities that have yielded significant additional resources and reserves from the Rokan Block.

Andre Wijanarko, PHR's Executive Vice President (EVP) of Upstream Business, emphasized PHR's commitment to extensive exploration, involving 11 exploration wells, 1,000 km² of 3D seismic surveys, and five geological and geophysical (G&G) studies.

"In the first three years post-management transfer, PHR drilled seven exploration wells, with the Sidingin North-1 well alone adding 31.5 million barrels of contingent oil resources," Andre stated.

Andre further mentioned that two unconventional oil and gas exploration wells, Gulamo and Kelok DET, the deepest in central Sumatra, have shown operational success and are expected to yield additional resources upon completion of evaluation and drilling activities.

"Four other conventional exploration wells—Pinang East, Mibasa, Sihangat, and Astrea—are ongoing, showing promising results and pending layer content tests before proceeding to the production stage," he explained.

"Rokan exploration drilling began in 2023, with the Sidingin North-1 well yielding 300 barrels of oil per day from a new tight sand layer. This, along with the Pinang East-1 well, is under consideration for Exploration status," he added.

Rikky Rahmat Firdaus, Head of SKK Migas Sumbagut Representative, noted that PHR's exploration efforts are a realization of the 2021-2026 Definite Work Commitment (KKP). He highlighted the importance of these efforts in continuing to harness the Rokan Block's oil and gas resources, which have served the nation for nearly a century.

"As an operator overseen by the government through SKK Migas, we appreciate PHR's proactive approach in both existing and new exploration areas, potentially uncovering new oil reserves from different layers," Rikky said.

Rikky also emphasized the approved Exploitation program through Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technology, expressing hope that this will further boost PHR's production in the Rokan Block, contributing to the national target of 1 million barrels per day by 2030.

In addition to successful drilling operations, PHR is actively conducting subsurface geological and geophysical evaluations to identify previously overlooked potentials, particularly shallow targets or Low-Quality Reservoirs (LQR). Through new concepts and technologies, the discovery of the Mindal Gold structure has added 70 million barrels of recoverable oil or 320 million barrels of in-place resources.

Andre highlighted the critical role of new geophysical data acquisition. Using advanced equipment, the 3D seismic operation involved over 1,000 personnel and has so far completed data acquisition covering 552 km². The next phase of 358 km² is set to commence by the end of 2024, with completion expected in 2025. "This new 3D seismic evaluation aims to identify significant prospects that will support future national oil and gas production," he said.

PHR's exploration activities aim to uncover additional resources in the mature Rokan Block, ensuring its continued productivity and contribution to Indonesia's national energy supply.
 

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