SPE Care for Health: HEAL (Healthy Empowerment and Active Living)

Indonesia, renowned for its abundant natural resources, has long been a significant player in the global energy sector. With a thriving oil and gas industry that fuels both its economy and its citizens' needs, the nation stands at a pivotal moment in its quest for energy security and sustainability. Yet, Indonesia's oil and gas industry is not without its challenges. These challenges range from technical hurdles in resource discovery to the unique demands of remote exploration and drilling in challenging terrains. In response to these challenges, SPE ITS SC organized an informative event focused on the upstream section of the oil and gas industry on Saturday, October 21st 2023. This segment deals with exploration and drilling, the fundamental processes that lay the foundation for the industry. Alif Rajendra and Bunga Athira as the Project Officers of this event said that event's primary objective was to provide a comprehensive understanding of exploration and drilling techniques. As well as to close the knowledge gap by explaining the latest drilling technologies, discussing the unique challenges Indonesia encounters, and examining how the oil and gas industry is adapting to meet the growing demand for energy resources.In addition, this would also help in spreading the awareness of the challenges that Indonesia faces regarding the oil and gas industry. “We hope that by organizing this Upstream Series, SPE ITS SC members and ITS students will gain a better understanding of oil and gas science from fundamental to advanced levels, specifically for the exploration and drilling aspect of the industry.” added Bunga. The event featured Mr. Ir. Hadi Ismoyo, the President Director of PT Petrogas Jatim Utama Cendana, as the keynote speaker. He provided valuable insights into various aspects of the industry, including exploration and drilling techniques, the latest cutting-edge drilling technologies, the challenges that Indonesia encounters in its pursuit of energy resources, and the industry's responses to the increasing global demand for oil and gas.One of the event's highlights was the engaging question-and-answer session that followed the presentation. To encourage active participation, the first seven participants to ask questions received special goodie bags as tokens of appreciation from the speaker. Even after this initial round of questions, many participants remained curious and eager to engage with the speaker.These subsequent questions delved into essential topics in the exploration and drilling sector, including the socio-political aspects of the oil and gas industry, not only in Indonesia but also on a global scale. Participants were keen to understand the latest advancements and sustainable practices within the industry, reflecting a growing concern for environmental and ethical considerations in the energy sector.In conclusion, the SPE ITS SC event focusing on the upstream section of the oil and gas industry provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing. It emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by Indonesia's oil and gas sector in the pursuit of energy security and sustainability.The continued growth and innovation in exploration and drilling techniques, coupled with the industry's commitment to environmentally responsible practices, reflect a positive trajectory for the future. These discussions and exchanges of ideas are crucial steps toward ensuring that Indonesia remains a significant player in the global energy sector while working to build a more sustainable and secure energy future for its citizens and the world.Written By: Arya Nugraha Aulia Rahman Yusup

Enhancing the knowledge of SPE’s Board of Committee about materials used in the oil and gas industry, Company Visit Division SPE ITS SC conducted Inspect 3.0. The event was held in Pertamina Hulu Energi West Madura Offshore (PHE WMO) Lamongan Shorebase and involved a site visit, presentation, and discussion about the industry.Inspect 3.0 that has been conducted on 14th April is a series of company visit events and in this stewardship, visiting PHE WMO became the third company visit that has been conducted. PHE WMO is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), a subsidiary of PT Pertamina (Persero). PHE WMO primary focus is on exploration and production, but it also has a logistics base in Lamongan, which is crucial for the success of its operations. The PIC of the event Abdulah Abraham Abror explained, company visit this time provided an opportunity for the students to see and visit the shorebase/warehouse under oil and gas-based companies related to the core values of SPE ITS SC. “Through the visit and discussion with the company representative, the students gained insights into the oil and gas industry and how the company worked,” Abror added.More specifically, Abror said this event aims to provide knowledge about the materials used in the oil and gas industry, understand material management and handling processes, as well as introduce students to professions observed in the operating environment. “The event also discussed the end-to-end process of delivery material, including material management and how to handle it safely,” Abror explained.According to Abror, the event started with a safety induction by PHE WMO, followed by an introduction from SPE ITS SC. The opening was then given by PHE WMO, which provided an overview of the company and their role in the shorebase/warehouse. Representative from PHE WMO explained, shorebase management makes remote oil and gas operations more easily managed logistically from nearby ports. Furthermore, the role of shorebase as a support for offshore activities can take the form of a port, warehouse, field, or office.  In upstream oil and gas activities, starting from exploration, production, transportation to the refinery, and selling of oil or gas, shorebase is needed. Equipment such as casing and tubing require a long time to order, so supply chain management planning is needed.  After the introduction, the event proceeded to the site visit. The site visit involved observing the drilling equipment, such as drill bits, various sizes of drill pipes, christmas tree, and other equipments required for drilling process. A discussion of oil and gas from both parties was conducted to exchange knowledge and ideas. “During the visit, the students had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss with the representatives,” Abror added.Quoting one of the participants in the event, said Inspect 3.0 has been a great learning opportunity for me. He has gained valuable knowledge about the oil and gas industry, especially the materials and equipment used in the drilling process. "The visit to the Lamongan Shorebase has given me a real-life experience that cannot be gained through theory alone," he said.The event was successful in achieving its objectives, and the participants gained valuable insights into the oil and gas industry. The event was an excellent opportunity for the students to enhance their knowledge, and it was hoped that it would help them to become more competent professionals in the industry. “This event is expected to strengthen the relationship between SPE ITS SC and the oil and gas companies, including PHE WMO,” Abror 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.

On Saturday, May 4th, 2024, the Science Course Division of SPE ITS SC organized an event titled "Dive into Midstream & Downstream." The event delved deep into two crucial segments of the energy industry which provide participants with valuable insights into their significance, challenges, and innovations.Mr. Dimas Cameeo Wicaksono, Assistant Project Construction at PT Perusahaan Gas Negara, kickstarted the event by shedding light on midstream activities. These activities play a pivotal role in facilitating the interconnectedness of various aspects of the energy industry. Throughout his session, Mr. Dimas covered the transportation, storage, and distribution of oil and gas, the key components of midstream infrastructure, as well as the challenges during the midstream process. He explained the complex network of pipelines, tankers, and terminals that form the infrastructure for transporting hydrocarbons from extraction sites to refineries and distribution centers. Central to midstream operations are the various components of infrastructure that facilitate the processing and transportation of oil and gas. He provided an overview of crucial facilities such as pipelines, compressor stations, storage tanks, and terminals, as well as the protection and supporting facilities in LNG terminal infrastructure. While midstream activities are essential for ensuring the availability of energy resources, they are not without their challenges. Mr. Dimas also shed light on the various issues encountered during the midstream process, such as vandalism/illegal tapping by third parties. Following Dimas's insightful presentation, Mochammad Helmy Aditya, Process Commissioning Engineer at PT Kilang Pertamina Balikpapan, took the stage to deep dive into the downstream sector. This segment explored the current trends, challenges, and innovations shaping downstream operations. One area of focus lies within the refinery operations, particularly the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) and Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) units. These units are pivotal in the conversion of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks into lighter, higher-value products. Mr. Helmy explained about FCC and RFCC units which are vital components of modern refineries that facilitate the conversion of heavy residual oils and vacuum gas oils into valuable gasoline, diesel, and petrochemical feedstocks. These units employ catalytic cracking processes to break down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more desirable products. He explored the unit integration within FCC-RFCC operations involving complex coordination between various sections, including reaction, separation, treating, and upgrading. Moreover, the quality parameters of feed and product streams in FCC-RFCC operations are critical for ensuring product performance, environmental compliance, and market acceptance. Parameters such as sulfur content, octane number, density, and aromatic content are closely monitored to meet regulatory requirements and customer specifications. For PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional, adherence to stringent quality standards is essential to maintain product integrity and competitiveness in the marketplace.Lastly, Mr. Helmy also highlights the environmental considerations that play a significant role in the operation of FCC-RFCC units, particularly in minimizing emissions, waste generation, and energy consumption. PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional prioritizes environmental stewardship by implementing advanced emission control technologies, optimizing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices throughout its operations.Despite being held online, the event attracted many participants who were eager to expand their knowledge of midstream and downstream operations. Participants enthusiastically engaged with the speakers by actively asking questions and participating in discussions.As the sessions drew to a close, the Research and Information Division conducted a Petroquiz covering the materials and topics presented during the event. The quiz challenged participants' understanding of midstream and downstream concepts which provided an opportunity to reinforce their learning. After an intense competition, Christian Gunawan emerged as the winner who will earn the SPE Knowledgebook as a token of recognition. Written by: Arya Nugraha Aulia Rahman Yusup