Reaching for the Earth's Heart: The Kola Project

The importance of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in the oil and gas industry cannot be overstated, as it plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of workers, the integrity of operations, and the protection of the environment. The tragic Deepwater Horizon disaster of 2010 starkly underscores the dire consequences of neglecting HSE protocols. This catastrophic event, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives and the largest marine oil spill in history, serves as a grim reminder of the inherent risks in oil and gas operations. The explosion on the Deepwater Horizon rig highlighted several key failings, including insufficient risk management, inadequate safety measures, and a lack of proper emergency response protocols. These oversights not only led to significant human and environmental losses but also inflicted severe financial and reputational damage on the companies involved. In the aftermath of the disaster, there has been a renewed emphasis on HSE standards across the industry. Companies have been compelled to adopt more rigorous safety protocols, invest in advanced technology for monitoring and prevention, and foster a culture of safety and environmental stewardship. Effective HSE practices involve comprehensive risk assessments, regular safety drills, continuous training for employees, and stringent adherence to regulatory standards. Moreover, the integration of cutting-edge technology, such as real-time monitoring systems and automated shut-off mechanisms, has become essential in mitigating risks. The lessons learned from Deepwater Horizon have driven home the need for a proactive approach to HSE, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures over reactive responses. Ensuring the health and safety of workers, protecting the environment from the potentially devastating impacts of oil spills and other accidents, and maintaining operational integrity are now seen as fundamental to the success and sustainability of oil and gas operations. In conclusion, the Deepwater Horizon incident serves as a pivotal case study in the critical importance of robust HSE practices in the oil and gas industry, illustrating that prioritizing safety and environmental protection is not only a moral and legal obligation but also a business imperative.

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.

In a bid to increase awareness on the importance of health, the Community Outreach Division  SPE ITS SC has taken the initiative to organize a medical check-up event called "FEALING (Fun Healing)". The event has successfully conducted in collaboration with the Asian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) Universitas Airlangga. The PIC of the event Jonathan Erland Sihotang explained that the event comes at a time when health awareness is increasingly crucial, especially with the transition from the pandemic era. People overlook the fundamental and essential aspects of health, such as lack of exercise, consuming unhealthy food with high levels of sugar, and barely doing medical check-ups.  "Those behaviors will cause an increase in the prevalence of hypertension and any of the health issues among people our age or actually affect people of all ages,” Jonathan explained. Despite the importance of health, many people still underestimate its significance, particularly in developing countries where healthcare can be costly. Therefore, the Community Outreach Division has taken the initiative to provide free medical check-ups for those who cannot afford them. “Conducting this event is also in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages,” Jonathan added. According to Jonathan, FEALING which took place on Sunday, 13th November 2022 from morning to afternoon at Taman Harmoni Keputih in Surabaya, provided a range of medical check-ups including blood sugar, tension, and uric acid tests. "We hope to accommodate those who are underprivileged, to do medical checkups for free and increase the awareness of local residents about the importance of health." Jonathan said. The health check-up event at Taman Harmony was a great success, with a majority of elderly participants from the surrounding area. Within just four hours, the target of 100 participants was achieved due to the overwhelming response, with most of them coming in groups. "I am so grateful for this free health check-up. It's an opportunity for us to monitor our health without spending any money," said one of the participants, who was delighted with the initiative.The Community Outreach Division and AMSA-Unair believe that events like FEALING will increase health awareness in the local community and ultimately lead to healthier lifestyles. The hope is that the event will inspire more organizations to take similar initiatives in promoting health and well-being in the community.  "I am thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response from the community. It shows that people are taking their health seriously," Jonathan concluded. By: Tyara Novia

In a symbolic moment of regional energy cooperation, Indonesia’s state-owned energy giant Pertamina has taken a major step into the ultra-deepwater frontier. Through its upstream arm PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), the company has acquired a 24.5% participating interest from Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) in the Bobara Block, located in the remote deep waters off West Papua.The deal, sealed during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27, 2025, marks more than just a transaction, it signals a growing energy partnership between two Southeast Asian powerhouses. The Farm-Out Agreement (FOA), signed between PHE Bobara and Petronas E&P Bobara Sdn. Bhd., formalizes Pertamina’s entry into the Bobara Production Sharing Contract (PSC), alongside Petronas and TotalEnergies.For Pertamina, this move represents both strategic expansion and symbolic diplomacy. It not only strengthens the company’s position in frontier exploration but also underscores Indonesia’s commitment to regional energy collaboration amid the global push for sustainable growth.“This signing is not merely a contractual milestone but a tangible reflection of the Indonesia–Malaysia energy partnership,” said Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri. “It demonstrates complementary capabilities and a shared responsibility to enhance regional energy security and drive sustainable development.”Mantiri’s remarks resonated with the broader theme of the ASEAN Summit partnership for resilience. He also expressed confidence that this momentum could open new doors for Pertamina to expand in Malaysia, eyeing future opportunities such as operatorship in the Balingian PSC and other prospective offshore blocks.Meanwhile, PHE President Director Awang Lazuardi described the Bobara partnership as a milestone built on trust and shared vision.“The Bobara PSC aligns perfectly with PHE’s strategic focus exploring and developing new opportunities in frontier areas,” Lazuardi explained. “It’s a step forward that blends technical excellence with regional collaboration.”Beyond exploration, PHE continues to reinforce its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments across its operations. The company implements a Zero Tolerance on Bribery policy under the ISO 37001:2016-certified Anti-Bribery Management System (SMAP) , a framework ensuring transparency and accountability in every corporate move.As energy dynamics shift globally, the Bobara partnership stands as a testament to how regional cooperation can shape a more secure and sustainable energy future. With Indonesia and Malaysia deepening ties in the energy sector, the deal also reflects a broader transformation, where collaboration, not competition, fuels progress beneath the vast waters of the Pacific.