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.

On October 25th, 2025, the Society of Petroleum Engineers ITS Student Chapter (SPE ITS SC) successfully held ONG 101, an insightful seminar that brought students closer to the real challenges and opportunities within the oil and gas industry. Held at Teater A, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya, the seminar featured Ir. Zulfikar A. Ali, IPM, Senior Completion and Fracturing Engineer at KUFPEC and ITS Chemical Engineering alumnus, as the keynote speaker. In his opening presentation, Mr. Zulfikar emphasized that safety remains the foremost priority in every stage of oil and gas operations. He explained that the strict regulatory frameworks governing exploration, drilling, and production activities are designed to prevent accidents, mitigate risks associated with H₂S gas exposure, and minimize environmental incidents such as oil spills. According to him, adherence to safety standards is a non-negotiable aspect of engineering professionalism, reflecting the industry's ethical responsibility toward both personnel and the environment. The speaker proceeded to share his personal experiences working across various segments of the oil and gas value chain. He reflected on the challenges and learning processes that shaped his career, encouraging students to pursue their passion with perseverance and integrity. Addressing the growing public perception that the oil and gas industry is a declining sector, Mr. Zulfikar remarked: “Some people say, ‘Oil is running out, why study petroleum engineering?’ But I believe hydrocarbons will still be needed for the next 100 years. Oil and gas will continue to support the world’s energy demand. It will remain part of our journey to achieve global energy targets.” This statement underscored the continuing relevance of Oil and Gas exploration and innovation within the broader context of energy transition and sustainability. While the global energy landscape is shifting toward renewable resources, hydrocarbons will remain essential for industrial processes, petrochemicals, and transitional energy sources in the decades to come. In the technical portion of the session, Mr. Zulfikar elaborated on the cycle of oil and gas operations, covering exploration, drilling, completion, production, and decommissioning. He introduced the concepts of primary, secondary, and tertiary recovery, in which the industry has now reached tertiary recovery. This emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation to improve recovery efficiency and resource sustainability. He highlighted the necessity of “honoring technology” by embracing advancements that enable engineers to address contemporary challenges such as reservoir depletion, environmental impact reduction, and cost optimization. Topics discussed included offshore exploration wells, structural integrity, station-keeping systems, and drill stem testing all of which require interdisciplinary collaboration and robust engineering design. The seminar’s central theme, well-completion, was explored in depth. Mr. Zulfikar discussed the primary challenges faced by completion engineers, particularly in corrosive well environments, where material selection becomes a critical factor. He also addressed the requirements for materials capable of withstanding the extremely low temperatures associated with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) operations, an emerging field aligned with global decarbonization goals. Various artificial lift systems were introduced as solutions for enhancing production from mature wells. Furthermore, the speaker noted that multilateral well technology, though not yet widely implemented in Indonesia, presents significant opportunities for improving reservoir drainage efficiency. Mr. Zulfikar also explained several methods to mitigate sand production, such as gravel packing and screen design, emphasizing that these practices are vital for maintaining well integrity. He concluded this section by introducing smart well technologies, which enable remote monitoring and control to minimize the need for physical intervention, thereby enhancing both safety and efficiency. Beyond technical competence, Mr. Zulfikar stressed that successful engineering practice in the oil and gas industry depends on effective collaboration among diverse disciplines.  Such multidisciplinary cooperation fosters innovative problem-solving and ensures that complex projects meet both operational and environmental standards. The event’s interactive segments demonstrated the enthusiasm of ITS students. The QnA session featured insightful discussions that reflected participants’ curiosity and critical thinking regarding industry practices. The seminar concluded with a PetroQuiz, in which attendees enthusiastically competed to answer technical questions related to the material presented. This activity effectively reinforced the participants’ understanding while maintaining an engaging atmosphere. Through ONG 101, SPE ITS SC successfully bridged academic learning with real-world industry perspectives. The seminar provided valuable exposure to practical engineering challenges and the evolving dynamics of the global energy sector. By presenting both motivational insights and technical expertise, Ir. Zulfikar A. Ali, IPM, not only broadened the participants’ understanding of well completion and production technologies but also inspired them to uphold professional values of safety, innovation, and collaboration.  Writer: Christya Amanda

Surabaya, SPE ITS SC – PT MedcoEnergi Internasional Tbk, commonly known as MedcoEnergi, is a leading Indonesian company engaged in the Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and Copper & Gold Mining businesses. In the Oil and Gas sector, MedcoEnergi focuses on exploration and production activities, primarily within Indonesia.As of today, Friday, October 24, 2025, the Sustainable Development Report on its official website highlights Indonesia’s progress toward achieving SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy. The report shows that Indonesia is moderately improving, although significant challenges remain. This demonstrates Indonesia’s continuous efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its broader vision of realizing Indonesia Emas 2045.On Monday, October 13, 2025, MedcoEnergi announced through an official press release that the company has been reducing its gas fuel consumption to improve operational efficiency and support the national energy transition agenda. Several initiatives have been implemented across its oil and gas assets. One of the key initiatives is the optimization of the Waste Heat Boiler (WHB) operating mode at the Grissik field, Corridor Block, South Sumatra. WHB is a type of boiler that recovers and utilizes residual heat and exhaust gases from production processes that is still have sufficient power to generate steam, in order to improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This optimization has successfully reduced carbon emissions by approximately 19,000 tCO₂e per year.Additional optimization efforts have also been carried out at both offshore and onshore sites. At the Natuna Offshore field, MedcoEnergi optimized operations at the Terubuk-Belida facility by rerouting production flow to operate without compressors, resulting in an annual emissions reduction of about 24,000 tCO₂e. Onshore, the company has implemented electrification—the conversion of systems or processes powered by fossil fuels to electricity-based systems—by switching from gas-fueled generators to the national clean power grid (PLN), alongside optimizing operational modes. Electrification helps reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency, and support the transition to clean and renewable energy.“Fuel gas efficiency and emission reduction are not merely technical targets but integral to MedcoEnergi’s long-term sustainability roadmap. Since 2022, our initiatives have cumulatively reduced fuel gas consumption by around 18 MMscfd. This achievement reflects our commitment to sustainable innovation, operational excellence, and responsible energy development, creating long-term value for stakeholders while reducing our carbon footprint,” said Ronald Gunawan, Director & Chief Operating Officer of MedcoEnergi.This demonstrates that MedcoEnergi, as a major player in the oil and gas industry, is not solely driven by profitability but also operates responsibly, consciously contributing to environmental sustainability starting from within its own operations.Moving forward, MedcoEnergi will continue strengthening its sustainability agenda through both medium and long-term roadmaps, while also implementing new technologies such as the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)—a thermodynamic cycle that uses organic fluids instead of water to convert heat into electricity, Steam Turbine Generators which convert steam heat into power, and energy storage systems. These initiatives reaffirm MedcoEnergi’s role as an adaptive and responsible energy company, fully committed to supporting Indonesia’s energy resilience and sustainable future.Writer: Aura Hammada

Surabaya, SPE ITS SC - Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas regulator, SKK Migas, has issued a formal warning to Inpex, Japan’s largest oil and gas exploration and production company, has been operating in Indonesia for decades. Through its subsidiary Inpex has yet to begin gas production, prompting growing frustration from Indonesian authorities.  According to SKK Migas, the regulator is applying pressure through both formal warnings and the threat of regulatory action, including the possibility of revoking the concession if significant progress is not achieved. The move reflects Indonesia’s broader push to accelerate upstream projects to meet rising domestic demand and strengthen its role in the global LNG market. Industry observers note that the Masela project could be a game-changer for Indonesia’s gas sector, but only if development is expedited. The government’s warning underscores the urgency: after more than two decades since its discovery, the Masela Block remains untapped.  Writer: Christya Amanda