PEP Zone 4 Records Tenfold Increase in Oil Production Through Development Drilling

• 11 Dec 2025
• dukut.nugroho

Prabumulih -- PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Zone 4 has recorded a tenfold increase in oil production since 2019, driven by the consistent and effective implementation of the Development Drilling program as part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to optimize hydrocarbon resources and support national energy security. 

The increase in oil production is aligned with the substantial growth in the realization of the Drilling Work Plan (RK), which increased from nine drilling programs in 2019 to 72 drilling programs in 2025. 

“Oil production from Development Drilling activities, including infill, interfield, and step-out drilling, increased from 385 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) in 2019 to 4,009 BOPD in 2025,” said Reza Nur Ardianto, Senior Manager Subsurface Development & Planning of PEP Zone 4. 

The positive impact of the Development Drilling program is also reflected in gas production performance. Since 2019, PEP Zone 4 has recorded an approximately fortyfold increase in gas production originating from Development Drilling activities. 

In 2019, gas production from Development Drilling amounted to 0.34 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD). By 2025, gas production from the same program had increased significantly to 12.67 MMSCFD. 

Development Drilling refers to follow-up drilling activities conducted in discovered oil and gas fields, with the objective of optimizing hydrocarbon recovery in the most efficient manner, both within existing locations (infill) and in surrounding areas (interfield and step-out). 

“The successful implementation of the Development Drilling program reflects PEP Zone 4’s strong commitment to supporting national oil and gas production targets and strengthening Indonesia’s energy security through the sustainable optimization of upstream assets,” Reza added. 

In addition to Development Drilling, production growth in PEP Zone 4 has been supported by integrated subsurface and surface initiatives. 

PEP Zone 4 has expanded its subsurface database through 2D and 3D seismic acquisitions, including passive seismic surveys, which have played a significant role in the development of the Gunung Kemala, Tanjung Miring Barat, Karangan Complex, Limau Complex, and Prabumulih Barat fields. 

Furthermore, the Company has revitalized legacy subsurface data to identify additional drilling opportunities in several prospective areas, including Talang Jimar, Tanjung Tiga Barat, and Benuang Timur.  

“These efforts will continue to be strengthened through subsurface data rejuvenation, passive seismic acquisition, and regional studies to ensure the sustainability of economically viable drilling opportunities,” Reza explained. 

As of 31 October 2025, total oil production from PEP Zone 4 reached 27,770 BOPD, an increase from 25,920 BOPD recorded in 2024. Gas production has also shown a positive trend since 2021, reaching 533 MMSCFD in 2025. 

SKK Migas Award 

PEP Zone 4’s consistent efforts in increasing oil and gas production through the Development Drilling program have received formal recognition from the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas). 

During a working visit to the PEP Prabumulih Field on Monday, 8 December 2025, SKK Migas presented the “Best Production Performance Award – Infill and Step-Out Drilling 2025” to PEP Zone 4. 

The award was presented by Sri Andayani, Head of the Reserve Optimization Division of SKK Migas, to Djudjuwanto, General Manager of PEP Zone 4. PEP Zone 4 has received this award for three consecutive periods, namely 2022, 2023–2024, and 2025. 

“This achievement demonstrates Zone 4’s consistency in supporting national oil and gas production growth through sustainable drilling programs with continuously improving performance,” Reza concluded. 

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