Pertamina Hulu Energi Focuses on Unconventional Oil & Gas and Deepwater Development to Secure Long-Term National Energy Supply

• 03 Feb 2026
• dukut.nugroho

Jakarta — PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), Pertamina’s Upstream Subholding, reaffirmed the strategic role of the upstream oil and gas sector in maintaining national energy security while supporting the transition toward low-carbon energy. Amid the increasing share of renewable energy, oil and gas remain a reliable energy source to ensure supply stability and sustain national economic growth. 

Mery Luciawaty, Director of Development & Production at Pertamina Hulu Energi, stated that future upstream oil and gas management strategies must focus on sustainable production through reserve enhancement. 

“Energy transition cannot eliminate the role of oil and gas instantly. PHE serves as the backbone in maintaining national energy security, particularly during the transition phase toward Net Zero Emissions,” said Mery during the Scope Upstream Excellence Forum panel discussion titled “Future Potential and Challenges of the Upstream Oil & Gas Industry in Achieving Energy Self-Sufficiency,” held in Jakarta on Tuesday (27/1/2026). 

To secure long-term national energy supply and support the growth of national production and reserves, PHE will focus on deepwater project development and unconventional oil and gas (UOG) field development. Deepwater development is projected to become a new frontier for the upstream oil and gas industry, while unconventional resources represent a strategic opportunity to sustain long-term national production. 

“We are encouraging exploration discoveries to be accelerated into economically viable and commercial development projects, enabling tangible contributions to national production and reserves,” Mery explained. 

In line with the energy transition agenda, PHE adopts a dual growth strategy by maximizing its core oil and gas business while simultaneously building low-carbon business initiatives. These initiatives include CCS/CCUS development, geological hydrogen, and operational decarbonization programs. 

“We believe this approach will maintain the company’s competitiveness while contributing to national emission reduction targets,” she added. 

With strengthened organizational capabilities, regulatory certainty, and close collaboration with the government and strategic partners, PHE remains optimistic that the upstream oil and gas sector will continue to play a critical role in supporting Indonesia’s energy resilience and economic stability during the transition period. 

PHE will continue to invest in managing upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. PHE also remains firmly committed to a Zero Tolerance on Bribery policy by implementing strong fraud prevention measures and ensuring the company remains free from corruption. This includes the implementation of an Anti-Bribery Management System (SMAP), standardized under ISO 37001:2016.

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