Digitalization in Oil and Gas: How AI and Automation Are Transforming the Industry

Indonesia is at a crucial point in its oil and gas journey. On one hand, the country has vast untapped energy resources that could fuel the economy for years to come. On the other, many of its existing oil fields are aging, leading to declining production. In 2023, Indonesia’s oil and gas industry was valued at around IDR 280 trillion, and experts predict it could grow to IDR 1,050 trillion by 2032. However, sustaining this growth will require new discoveries and smarter investments in exploration.Right now, Indonesia produces about 576,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), and the government hopes to push this number to 600,000 bpd by 2025. However, the challenge is that 70% of Indonesia’s oil wells are mature, meaning their output is slowing down. If new reserves aren’t developed soon, Indonesia will have to rely more on imports, which could drive up costs and impact energy security.The good news? There’s still a massive opportunity waiting to be explored. Out of 128 sedimentary basins across Indonesia, only 20 are actively producing oil and gas. That means 68 basins remain untouched, offering huge potential for new discoveries. If properly explored, these areas could significantly boost Indonesia’s production and reduce dependence on imported oil.To tap into this potential, both domestic and international companies are stepping in with major investments. One of the biggest projects is Eni’s Geng North Project, a IDR 192 trillion gas project expected to start production by 2027. Similarly, BP is expanding its Tangguh LNG facility in West Papua with a IDR 112 trillion investment, incorporating carbon capture technology to make production more efficient and sustainable. Meanwhile, Petronas is increasing its footprint in Indonesia by setting up operations in East Java and exploring other regions. These investments highlight global confidence in Indonesia’s oil and gas potential.The government isn’t standing still either. Under President Prabowo Subianto, several initiatives are in place to attract more foreign investment, reactivate 5,000 idle oil wells, and speed up the permitting process for new projects. If these efforts are successful, Indonesia could see a major boost in oil and gas production, strengthening energy security and ensuring long-term economic stability.

The Dumai-Sei Mangkei gas pipeline project is a major infrastructure initiative in Indonesia, spanning approximately 428 then extended to 555 kilometers from Dumai in Riau to the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in North Sumatra. Designed to bolster the industrial sector in Sumatra, the pipeline is expected to have a substantial transport capacity to meet growing energy demands, delivering up to 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMSCFD). The project is estimated to cost around Rp 7.8 trillion (approximately USD 500 million) and involves collaboration between state-owned enterprises and private sector stakeholders under the guidance of Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). The Dumai-Sei Mangkei gas pipeline is a strategically important project for Indonesia, which is essential for moving natural gas safely and efficiently from upstream production sites to downstream users, including industrial hubs and distribution networks. By providing a steady and reliable source of natural gas to the region, the pipeline supports industries across Sumatra, particularly in the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a key industrial hub aimed at accelerating economic growth and job creation.  Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif said the completion of the Dumai - Sei Mangke gas pipeline project is part of efforts to anticipate excess natural gas, where there is a large gas potential in the Andaman Sea. Thus, it will be utilized for industries that need natural gas. Andaman Sea itself, known to have the promising hydrocarbon reservoirs waiting to be deciphered by experts around the world. The distribution takes the form of pockmarks, diapir, gas chimneys, and mud volcanoes governed by factors such as the presence of gas pockets, hydrocarbon reserves, fluid seepages, fumarolic activity, and gas hydrate occurrences within the sedimentary layers.The Dumai-Sei Mangkei gas pipeline is poised to deliver substantial economic and industrial benefits, creating numerous job opportunities during both its construction and operational phases. This influx of employment is expected to drive economic growth in the region, supporting local businesses and stimulating surrounding economies. Additionally, the Dumai-Sei Mangkei project could contribute to reducing the LPG 3 kg subsidy by an estimated Rp 420 billion per year, achieving a cost saving of Rp 107 billion annually, and generating foreign exchange savings of up to Rp 720 billion per year. The pipeline is also expected to yield substantial revenue for the government, with potential annual state revenue of Rp 1.89 trillion and Rp 12 billion from regulatory fees to BPH Migas.  The Dumai-Sei Mangkei gas pipeline project represents a crucial investment in Indonesia’s energy and economic future. Set to begin construction in 2025 and targeted for completion by 2027. With substantial support from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Dumai-Sei Mangkei pipeline stands to enhance local economies, stabilize gas prices, and contribute an estimated Rp 1.89 trillion in annual state revenue, marking a transformative step forward for Indonesia’s energy infrastructure and industrial development.

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) ITS SC recently organized the SPEak Up! Guest Lecture program in collaboration with SPE UTM SC from Malaysia and SPE PSU SC from the Philippines. With the theme 'Revolutionizing Production Through Next-Gen Oilfield's Digital Odyssey,' this collaborative initiative aims to enhance SPE members' understanding of the oil and gas industry perspectives in the digitalization era. Hosted annually by the Academia and Competency Development Department of SPE ITS SC, The recent SPEAK UP Guest Lecture featured industry experts, including Mr. Tomi Ihwanto from Pertamina Hulu Rokan, Engr. Arnold Gabuco from Philippines, and Dr. Ahmad Khanifar from Petronas Malaysia, shedding light on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in redefining oil extraction strategies and enhancing oil fields.The first session of the event, featured a presentation by Mr. Tomi Ihwanto which emphasized the importance of embracing digital technologies in order to stay competitive in the constantly evolving oil and gas industry. He highlighted this by saying, "Advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation are redefining traditional practices within the sector, emphasizing the need for adaptation to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in today's oil and gas landscape." He then proceeded to describe various digital transformation initiatives that PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan has implemented and plans to integrate.. One of the implementations is the smart condition monitoring & analysis modeling that is able to detect the equipment degradation earlier by applying similarity based multiple online variables correlation. The abnormal condition can be detected earlier based on the trend difference between model and actual. Thus, optimizing the maintenance schedule and potentially saving on costs and avoiding downtimes.Mr. Arnold Gabuco started the next session by mentioning the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining tasks, processing large datasets, and optimizing production workflows. He specifically noted, "AI's ability to undertake complex tasks efficiently and with minimal errors can revolutionize the oil and gas industry, making it an indispensable tool for ensuring operational reliability and efficiency by preemptively addressing potential equipment failures."And in the last session of the event, Dr. Khanifar highlighted the pivotal role of advanced analytics and AI-driven technologies in enhancing oil fields, stating, "These innovations collectively contribute to informed extraction strategies, ensuring optimal operations and real-time optimization by controlling the high gas to oil ratio (GOR) in wells." The lecture covered critical aspects, including the Field Development Plan overview and the meticulous Well Selection process. The discussion focused on the detailed implementation of the AI-HGOR Pilot, where Dr. Khanifar emphasized the importance of GOR control for reshaping the oil extraction landscape. The Multi Rate Test (MRT) analysis showcased a reduction in oil production with an increasing GOR, while the Advisory Model's integration into the process control scope underlined the transformative significance of these technological advancements. The presentation concluded with a powerful statement, offering a glimpse into the promising future of the industry.Written by: Satria Rafif Rafidianto

What is LNG?Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been reduced to a liquid state, through a process of cooling. LNG is odorless, colorless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive, but hazards include flammability after vaporization into a gaseous state, freezing, and asphyxia. It is typically 85-95% methane, which contains less carbon than other forms of fossil fuels, and also contains tiny amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and nitrogen. Why does LNG matter to energy security?In order to solve the energy trilemma—which means finding a balance between affordability, environmental sustainability, and energy security—LNG is essential. Since it effectively removes pollutants like SOx and NOx, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is acknowledged as a more environmentally friendly fuel substitute that helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions. It is the cleanest burning hydrocarbon that provides a clean solution to industrial sectors that need a high calorific value and the most difficult to electrify. It also can be used in a variety of industries, including power generation, manufacturing, and transportation. Natural gas power generation emits 45% to 55% less greenhouse gasses than coal. In developing economies, it will replace traditional biomass in heating and cooking which helps to reduce the health impacts of localized emissions from other fuels. As a fuel for heavy-duty road transportation, LNG has also demonstrated a notable decrease in emissions (both greenhouse and particulate) when compared to alternative fuels, thus helps diversify the fuel mix and lower air pollution. The benefits of using LNG in the oil and gas industry and its role in clean energy transitionsThe oil and gas industry is playing an important role in the energy transition by providing affordable and reliable energy. The industry is working through many cross-sector initiatives on the scale-up of quantification and resolution of methane emissions. An increasing number of oil and gas companies are part of the growth in the renewable energy sector investing in and producing energy through renewable technologies, in particular, wind, solar power, and biofuels. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions from operations through energy efficiency, flare reduction, and methane management, as well as increasingly powering operations with low-carbon or renewable energy sources, the oil and gas industry can considerably contribute to a net zero future. And through the increasing adoption of improved engine-fuel system efficiencies and the development of low-carbon mobility technologies like electric vehicles, biofuels, liquefied natural gas, ammonia, and hydrogen fuel cells, companies are also helping their customers to reduce their emissions.Strategic deal trends and projects in LNG in oil & gas industryGlobal demand for LNG is expected to continue growing. According to McKinsey, LNG demand is projected to grow by 0.5 percent from 2035 to 2050, with more than 200 million metric tons of new capacity required during this period. The share of LNG in the global gas supply is expected to increase from 13% to 23% by 2050, as it meets demand growth and replaces declining pipeline and domestic gas. The urgency to meet this demand is intensifying due to growing energy demand from regions such as Asia and the declining supply of domestic gas and the interruption of piped supply (such as Russian piped gas supply to Europe).