Indonesia's energy landscape received a significant lift as Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) launched Platform WPN-7, boosting gas production by 20 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) in the Mahakam Block. This achievement underscores ongoing efforts to secure national gas supplies amid rising demands.Located offshore in East Kalimantan's mature Sisi Nubi field, WPN-7 went operational on March 23, 2026. It features two key wells: NB-701, which began flowing at 9.8 MMSCFD on March 25, and NB-702, achieving 12.5 MMSCFD by March 26. Together, they target a combined initial output of 20 MMSCFD, with PHM actively monitoring to stabilize and optimize performance in line with Q1 2026 objectives.This platform represents the third in the Sisi Nubi Area of Interest (SNB AOI) 1-3-5 project. Predecessors include WPS-4, activated December 4, 2025, and WPS-5 on February 23, 2026. These phased developments build on rigorous technical groundwork, revitalizing output from the longstanding Mahakam Block, a cornerstone of Indonesia's upstream sector.The boost aligns with broader national strategies, enhancing energy resilience. PHM's initiatives complement prior Mahakam projects that added substantial capacities, like up to 36 MMSCFD, supporting SKK Migas targets for oil and gas stability."These new wells play a vital role in ensuring steady gas availability and strengthening our upstream self-sufficiency goals," said PHM General Manager Setyo. As Indonesia navigates energy transitions, such milestones from mature fields like Mahakam remain crucial for economic and supply security into 2026 and beyond. Written by: Christya

Indonesia is stepping up its renewable energy efforts through a strategic partnership between global energy technology company SLB and Star Energy Geothermal. The two companies have signed an agreement to support the development of the Sekincau geothermal project in Lampung, marking a deeper phase of collaboration in the country’s geothermal sector.The agreement, signed on Thursday (February 19), expands beyond earlier technology cooperation into a more comprehensive scope that includes field development planning, subsurface evaluation, and integrated drilling services. SLB will play a key role in providing technical expertise, particularly in subsurface mapping, well planning, and drilling operations, all of which are critical in reducing risk during geothermal development.“Advanced technology, deep technical expertise and disciplined operational performance, through integration across the project lifecycle, are essential to scaling geothermal projects,” said Nurzhan Ongaltayev, managing director, Indonesia, SLB. “These agreements and new collaboration opportunities apply SLB’s subsurface consulting expertise and global execution experience to support geothermal development alongside an experienced operator, from project execution in Indonesia to evaluating opportunities overseas.”The Sekincau geothermal project represents more than just another energy development initiative. It reflects a shift in how geothermal projects are approached, with a stronger emphasis on collaboration, technology integration, and risk reduction.If successful, the partnership between SLB and Star Energy could serve as a model for future geothermal developments in Indonesia. By combining technical expertise with operational experience, the project has the potential to accelerate the country’s transition toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system.As demand for clean energy continues to rise, initiatives like Sekincau highlight the importance of turning Indonesia’s vast geothermal resources into tangible and lasting impact.

Surabaya, SPE ITS SC – PT Elnusa Tbk (IDX: ELSA), an integrated energy services company under Pertamina’s Upstream Subholding, is strengthening its wireline services capabilities through a new technology access program developed in collaboration with SLB.Wireline services are specialized upstream oil and gas operations that use cable-deployed tools to collect subsurface data and perform various well interventions. These services are essential for evaluating reservoir conditions and supporting exploration and production activities.The initiative, called Technology Access Enablement and Delivery to Elnusa, forms part of the company’s 2026 transformation agenda themed “Rediscover Technology & Innovation Edge,” which emphasizes technology-driven service development and operational competitiveness.Through the collaboration, Elnusa will gain access to advanced open hole and cased hole wireline logging tools, enabling the company to expand its service portfolio and address increasingly complex subsurface challenges in upstream operations.Elnusa Director of Operations Andri Haribowo said the program is designed to broaden the scope of the company’s wireline services while strengthening internal capabilities through a structured capacity-building approach.“This collaboration not only opens access to advanced open hole tools, but also enhances Elnusa’s internal competencies and operational capacity. Previously, our services were primarily focused on cased hole logging. With this initiative, we are expanding into advanced open hole logging, creating a more comprehensive service portfolio for our customers,” he said.The cooperation framework will be implemented in phases to ensure effective technology transfer and sustainable capability development. In addition to gaining access to advanced tools, Elnusa aims to strengthen operational procedures and develop internal talent capable of independently operating the technology in the future.The program also marks a new phase of collaboration between Elnusa and PT Schlumberger Geophysics Nusantara, an affiliate of SLB. According to Armando Ballesteros, Director of PT Schlumberger Geophysics Nusantara, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting technology transfer and competency development in Indonesia’s upstream services sector.Industry experts note that the adoption of advanced wireline technology is becoming increasingly important as oil and gas reservoirs grow more complex. Advanced subsurface evaluation tools allow operators to better understand reservoir characteristics, improving decision-making while reducing exploration and development risks.Strategic partnerships between local service providers and global technology companies are also seen as a key driver of innovation in the energy sector. Such collaborations can accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies while strengthening domestic technical capabilities.With the launch of the program’s initial phase, Elnusa is positioning itself as a technology-driven upstream service provider, aiming to enhance operational efficiency while supporting the development of Indonesia’s oil and gas industry.Writer: Aura Hammada

PetroChina International Jabung Ltd. (PCJL) has successfully completed the initial production test of the Gemah-81 development well in the Jabung Working Area, Jambi, marking another milestone for Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas sector. The drilling activity was conducted under the supervision of SKK Migas, the country’s upstream oil and gas regulator.Head of SKK Migas Djoko Siswanto confirmed the positive test results, highlighting the well’s strong production performance following completion on February 11, 2026.Based on well test analysis conducted at a 32/64-inch choke, Gemah-81 produced 4.8 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas at a wellhead pressure (WHP) of 1,080 psig, along with approximately 400 barrels per day (bpd) of condensate. The well targets three reservoirs, with the primary zone located at a depth interval of 7,259–7,281 feet measured depth (MD). The results indicate promising hydrocarbon potential within the Gemah field.To accelerate production, PetroChina plans to connect the well to the existing Gemah Station production facility within approximately two weeks. The tie-in will involve the installation of around 300 meters of pipeline, enabling the well to commence regular production promptly.Building on this success, the company is scheduled to drill two additional wells — Gemah-85 and NEB-85 ST — within the next month. SKK Migas expressed hope that these wells will deliver even higher production rates, further strengthening output from the Jabung Block.Looking ahead, PetroChina reaffirmed its commitment to expanding exploration activities and optimizing existing assets in the block through technology deployment, cost efficiency, and collaborative efforts, supporting sustained production growth in the years to come.

Surabaya, November 14th, 2025 —The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) ITS Student Chapter successfully hosted the Upstream Series 2025, an annual flagship event that brings together academic and industry experts to discuss advancements in upstream oil and gas operations. This year's edition featured a strategic collaboration with Mubadala Energy, further strengthening the event’s technical depth, particularly in drilling fluids and well construction. The keynote speaker, Mr. Habib Baehaki, with 30 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, Mr. Habib Baehaki serves as a Lead Drilling Engineer at Mubadala Energy. He brings extensive expertise in drilling engineering and has been involved in numerous projects across diverse locations. Recognized for his technical skills and leadership, he plays a key role in driving the success of the company’s drilling operations. Mr. Habib delivered an extensive session covering a wide spectrum of drilling engineering concepts and real-world industry challenges. He began by explaining the systems and equipment used in drilling, emphasizing how each component plays a critical role in maintaining wellbore stability and operational safety. He also outlined the various types of wells and highlighted how engineers determine optimal configurations through careful well planning, well profiles, and field-specific considerations. A key part of the session focused on how engineers evaluate subsurface formations. Mr. Habib discussed the interpretation of gamma ray logs, density data, and assessments of porosity and permeability, all of which are crucial in evaluating reservoir quality. He emphasized that modern reservoirs often contain increasing levels of impurities, which significantly raise development and processing costs. Cost considerations formed another major theme of his talk. Mr. Habib highlighted that cost estimation remains one of the most essential skills for drilling and project engineers, as accurate budgeting determines the overall feasibility and success of a project from planning to execution. The collaboration with Mubadala Energy enriched the technical discussion by providing real-world perspectives on drilling fluid management and the practical challenges encountered in the field. Participants engaged actively throughout the session, demonstrating strong enthusiasm for bridging academic understanding with industry experience. With an experienced guest speaker and the ability to address the curiosity of SPE members and participants regarding the upstream oil and gas industry, this event—organized by the Division of Science Course under the Department of Academia has set a new standard for SPE ITS guest lecture sessions. SPE ITS expressed confidence that events like the Upstream Series 2025 will continue to inspire young engineers and strengthen Indonesia’s contribution to global energy development.  Writer: Christya Amanda

Indonesia is set to eliminate diesel imports in 2026, supported by the upcoming operation of the Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) Balikpapan, operated by PT Pertamina (Persero). Based on the latest update, the project is now scheduled to be inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto on 17 December 2025, marking the entry of Indonesia’s largest refinery upgrade into commercial operation. Previously, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia had stated that the RDMP Balikpapan inauguration was planned for 10 November 2025 following a limited cabinet meeting with President Prabowo on 3 November 2025. At the time, he emphasized that the refinery upgrade would enable Indonesia to meet domestic diesel demand entirely through national production. “Insya Allah, starting 2026 we will no longer import diesel,” Bahlil said. “Because our RDMP refinery in Balikpapan will be inaugurated.” Despite the rescheduled inauguration, the government maintains that RDMP Balikpapan will play a decisive role in strengthening fuel self-sufficiency. The facility is expected to significantly increase Indonesia’s refining capacity and support the national objective of achieving zero diesel imports while also boosting aviation fuel (avtur) supply for both domestic and export markets. The RDMP Balikpapan project is designed to modernize one of Indonesia’s strategic refineries by increasing production capacity, improving fuel quality, and enhancing operational efficiency. The refinery upgrade forms part of Pertamina's long-term downstream investment roadmap to reduce reliance on petroleum imports, strengthen supply resilience, and improve state fiscal performance by reducing the foreign exchange burden from imported fuels. In support of the refinery expansion, the government is also pushing for the implementation of B50 biodiesel, which blends 50% palm oil-based fuel. According to Bahlil, the synergy between RDMP Balikpapan and B50 could shift the domestic diesel balance from deficit to surplus. “If both RDMP and B50 run well, we will have excess diesel and we can export it,” he asserted. The ministry is currently calculating the production forecast and export potential once both programs are fully executed. To date, Indonesia has relied on imported diesel to bridge the gap between domestic refinery capacity and fuel consumption. The cessation of diesel imports is expected to reduce logistics vulnerability during global price fluctuations, strengthen energy independence, and improve the trade balance. Policymakers have highlighted that diesel remains a critical fuel for transportation, mining, agriculture, and industrial sectors, meaning its secure supply is closely tied to national economic performance. The RDMP Balikpapan project has been categorized as a strategic national program due to its magnitude and expected economic impact. The government anticipates that its operation will contribute to regional economic activity, promote industrial employment, and accelerate technology transfer in refinery modernization. Stakeholders, including local governments, logistics operators, and energy-intensive industries are monitoring the commissioning timeline as it will determine fuel distribution adjustments across Kalimantan and other regions. Further information regarding refinery output, the detailed implementation roadmap for B50, and mechanisms for potential diesel exports is expected to be released after the inauguration in November. For now, the government maintains the target of achieving diesel self-sufficiency in 2026, marking what could become a significant milestone in Indonesia’s long-term energy security agenda.Writer: Azzahra Luna Prasetyo

Kangean Energy Indonesia (KEI) is set to begin a large-scale 3D seismic survey in the Kangean Islands, East Java, after fulfilling all required permitting procedures, including environmental and social compliance assessments. The confirmation was issued by the Jawa-Bali-Nusa Tenggara (Jabanusa) Regional Office of the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas, SKK Migas, marking the survey as one of the key upstream exploration efforts in the region. Anggono Mahendrawan, Head of SKK Migas Jabanusa, stated that seismic acquisition plays a crucial role in determining the direction of Indonesia’s oil and gas exploration activities. According to him, subsurface geological data generated from seismic imaging is essential not only for contractors but also for the government in preparing long-term resource planning. “This seismic survey is actually a national necessity. We need geological layer data to support exploration activities and secure future energy resources,” Anggono said during a discussion with ruangenergi.com in Jakarta on Monday, 3 November 2025. The survey will produce highly detailed information regarding the structure, depth, and lithology of underground rock formations. SKK Migas emphasized that such data is a critical determinant in assessing hydrocarbon potential in a given area and will be incorporated into the national upstream exploration database. The data will serve as the technical basis for decision-making on subsequent drilling plans, investment prioritization, and future working area allocations. Anggono acknowledged that upstream exploration remains a high-risk investment for contractors due to the uncertainty of commercial discoveries. However, he underlined that seismic datasets retain long-term value for the country regardless of discovery outcomes. “If no reserves are found, the cost won’t be recovered, but the data will still be beneficial for future energy development,” he noted, referring to the seismic data retention system that supports the national exploration master plan. SKK Migas also highlighted that the 3D seismic activity by KEI requires substantial investment and has undergone rigorous environmental and social impact verification. The agency stressed that adherence to regulatory and community safeguards is a prerequisite for the sustainability of upstream operations, especially in offshore and remote island clusters such as the Kangean region. Beyond its technical purpose, the survey is aligned with SKK Migas’ broader strategy to increase exploration intensity across frontier and underexplored basins in support of the national one-million-barrels-per-day oil production target. Strengthening the national subsurface data inventory is considered crucial to attracting upstream investors, reducing geological uncertainty, and enhancing resilience in domestic energy supply. Further updates on survey progress, including data acquisition scope, timeline for processing and interpretation, and follow-up drilling plans are expected to be announced after the initial operational phase in the coming months. Writer: Azzahra Luna Prasetyo

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.