PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), through its subsidiary PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Tarakan, has recorded a new gas flow discovery from the Sembakung Deep (SBKD)-001 exploration well in the Sembakung Area, about 56 kilometers north of Tarakan, North Kalimantan. 

Drilling of the well began in mid-March. Five months later, formation testing revealed that one of the sandstone layers of the Meliat Formation successfully produced gas and condensate of good quality, with an average flow of 9 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD). 

Muharram Jaya Panguriseng, Director of Exploration at PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), explained that the SBKD-001 well is located in the Indonesia-Malaysia border area. He emphasized that the successful gas flow discovery not only strengthens national sovereignty but also adds value to the welfare of the Indonesian people. 

“Every worker at the SBKD-001 well is an energy fighter, serving as the spearhead of national energy supply and making a significant contribution to the country,” Muharram said in a press statement on Tuesday (August 19). 

Meanwhile, Sri Hartanto, VP of Exploration for PHI-Regional 3 Kalimantan, noted that SBKD-001 is an exploration well resulting from the adaptation of new resource searches in a brownfield area, namely the shallow zone of the Sembakung Field. 

From structural maturation to spudding, the entire process took only one year. “This drilling confirmed hydrocarbon accumulation in the form of gas in its deeper layers, while also yielding additional oil reserves in its shallow zones,” he said. 

PHI President Director Sunaryanto expressed hope that the well can be monetized soon, as supporting facilities are already in place. 

“The success of this exploration activity in the Sembakung Field will support the sustainability of national oil and gas production from the Kalimantan region and is expected to generate multiplier effects by providing energy for industrial activities and the local economy,” he said. 

Previously, PEP Tarakan had discovered oil in the already developed Tabul Formation. 

This article is published in partnership with Katadata 

Original article here