Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM), an affiliate of Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), has made a significant oil and gas discovery offshore South Mahakam, East Kalimantan.

Discovery Details and Strategy

The discovery was made through the Metulang Deep (MDP)-1x exploration well, drilled as part of a near-field exploration strategy. This strategy focuses on drilling near mature assets to achieve faster production. The well has discovered contingent resources estimated at around 106 million barrels of oil equivalent of original oil in place (OOIP).

Strategic Importance and Plans

The discovery is expected to contribute to national oil and gas lifting, supporting goals of energy self-sufficiency and security. Following the find, immediate plans aim to sustain increased production and improve Indonesia's reserves-to-production ratio.

Operatorship and Exploration Record

PHM took over operatorship of the offshore Mahakam block in 2018, replacing TotalEnergies and Inpex. Since then, it has drilled six exploration wells, with four resulting in discoveries, including the MDP-1x well.

Mahakam Complex and Recent Production

The Mahakam complex includes several producing fields. Recently, PHM successfully started first production from the Sisi Nubi area of interest project via two wells, targeting a combined gas output of 20 million cubic feet per day. This larger project involves significant infrastructure, including six new platforms, 22 kilometres of subsea pipelines, and 36 development wells.