Pertamina Hulu Rokan’s Chemical EOR Technology at Minas Field: Innovation to Strengthen Energy Sovereignty

• 24 Dec 2025
• dukut.nugroho

Rumbai, Riau — PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR), a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), officially inaugurated the Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) Project at the Minas Field Area A, Rokan Working Area. The milestone marks a strategic step in optimizing production from mature assets while reinforcing Indonesia’s national energy security. 

The Minas Field, which has been producing since 1952, is classified as a mature field yet continues to hold substantial remaining reserves. Through the implementation of CEOR technology, PHR targets an incremental oil recovery of approximately 12%–16% of the Original Oil in Place (OOIP), significantly extending the productive life of one of Indonesia’s most historic oil fields. 

Head of Indonesia’s Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Task Force (SKK Migas), Djoko Siswanto, underscored the strategic importance of the Minas Field, noting its long-standing contribution to national energy supply. 

“Minas is one of the most important assets in the history of Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas industry. As a mature field, sustaining its production requires continuous innovation and the application of advanced technology. The inauguration of Phase I Chemical EOR in Area A represents a critical step in ensuring long-term production sustainability,” he stated. 

President Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero), Mochamad Iriawan, expressed appreciation for the dedication of Pertamina personnel in developing an in-house CEOR chemical formulation, overcoming previous technical challenges. 

“The implementation of CEOR goes beyond a technical solution. It represents the state’s tangible commitment to the Asta Cita agenda and energy self-reliance, supporting Indonesia’s ambition to achieve oil production of one million barrels per day by 2030. Continuous innovation by Pertamina’s workforce is essential to realizing this goal,” he said. 

Representing the regional government, Acting Governor of Riau Province, SF Haryanto, conveyed full support for the CEOR project, emphasizing its importance in strengthening collaboration between the central and regional governments in managing sustainable energy resources. 

“The success of CEOR is not only a success for PHR, but also a source of optimism for the future of Riau’s economy. Increased production is expected to support the sustainability of oil and gas revenue sharing funds, which will ultimately benefit communities through infrastructure, education, and healthcare development,” he noted. 

Globally, CEOR technology has been widely adopted by leading energy companies to enhance recovery from mature fields. Its successful deployment demonstrates the critical role of technological innovation in extending field life, improving recovery factors, and strengthening national energy resilience. 

In this context, Vice President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), Oki Muraza, highlighted that the CEOR project in the Rokan Working Area represents more than a technical achievement. 

“The successful development of CEOR at Rokan reflects Pertamina’s transformation in managing upstream assets with operational excellence, global competitiveness, and sustainability. It further reinforces Pertamina’s position as a world-class energy company,” he said. 

The CEOR project utilizes a combination of alkali, surfactant, and polymer (ASP) chemicals injected into the reservoir to mobilize trapped oil from rock pores. Notably, the surfactant—one of the key components of the CEOR process—was developed internally by Pertamina engineers and has undergone extensive laboratory and field testing to ensure commercial readiness. 

The commercial-scale deployment of CEOR in Minas Area A positions PHR as a pioneer of CEOR technology in Indonesia. Following this success, PHR plans to expand CEOR implementation across other areas within the Rokan Working Area, including Minas Areas B, C, and D, as well as Balam South, Balam, Bangko, and Petani. 

From a production outlook, the CEOR project is expected to contribute approximately 70 thousand barrels of oil per day (bopd) by 2030, with peak production projected to reach up to 200 thousand bopd by 2036. 

These achievements are expected to deliver significant value not only to Pertamina and PHR, but also to Indonesia’s national energy security, state revenues, and the development of domestic technological capabilities. 

The Minas Field, renowned for producing Sumatra Light Crude, covers an area of 204.37 square kilometers, with 1,243 active wells and an average daily production of approximately 29 thousand bopd. All production from the Rokan Working Area is transported via pipeline to the Hydrocarbon Transportation (HCT) Crude Oil Terminal Operation Center in Dumai before being distributed to Pertamina’s refineries. 

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