PetroChina International Jabung Ltd (PCJL), a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned energy giant, has commenced its 2026 drilling program in Indonesia with the spudding of the NEB-85ST well in the Jabung Working Area. This follows the company's pattern of starting its annual Indonesian drilling campaigns in mid-January over the past five years.

2026 Drilling and Operations Plan

The company plans to drill a total of six development wells this year, with the NEB-85ST being the first. Beyond drilling, PCJL's 2026 work program includes 11 well workover operations and 170 well service activities across the Jabung area. The company stated that this campaign supports Indonesia's national oil and gas production targets and reflects its commitment to safe, efficient, and responsible operations.

Company and Regulatory Statements

At the spud-in ceremony, a PCJL operations vice president emphasized that the drilling program's principle is to ensure the Jabung area's contribution to Indonesia, committing to execute the work program properly, safely, and responsibly. The ceremony was attended by officials from Indonesia's upstream regulator, SKK Migas. A SKK Migas drilling division head noted that PCJL's successful nine-well drilling program in 2025 was an achievement and expressed hope that the latest well could serve as a benchmark for other production sharing contractors.

Long-Term Commitments and Completed Surveys

Under its 2023-2028 Firm Work Commitment (KKP), PCJL has a target of drilling six exploration wells. To date, two have been drilled, with a third planned for 2027. The company has also completed seismic surveying work, which included 3D seismic surveys in the Ketamu and Rukam areas and 2D seismic surveys in Eastern Jabung. Data acquisition and processing for these seismic projects were finished by the end of the first quarter of 2025, achieving a total of 1.75 million safe man-hours.