Petronas has confirmed a significant gas condensate discovery with its Barokah-1 wildcat well in the North Ketapang working area offshore East Java, Indonesia. This marks the first hydrocarbon find on this offshore asset, which was awarded in 2021. The well was drilled to a depth of approximately 3315.3 metres and subsequent testing indicated promising flow rates.

Discovery Details and Potential

Post-stimulation testing of the Barokah-1 exploration well indicated it could produce 12 million cubic feet per day of gas and around 2250 barrels per day of condensate. The discovery, located in the Ngimbang formation, is seen as confirmation of the promising exploration potential in East Java, particularly in the region north of Madura Island. Appraisal work and further studies are planned to assess the field's full potential.

Strategic Importance and Development Context

The discovery is viewed as important evidence of the ongoing oil and gas potential in East Java. Indonesia's upstream regulator, SKK Migas, has pledged support for the next evaluation phase to bring this potential into production, aiming to increase national oil and gas output and support energy security. Furthermore, the Barokah discovery complements the ongoing development of the Hidayah field in the nearby North Madura II working area, a project with a final investment decision exceeding $900 million and first oil targeted for 2027.

Ownership and Regional Portfolio

Petronas operates the North Ketapang block with a 51% participating interest. Its partners are SK Earthon with a 34% stake and Pertamina with the remaining 15%. Beyond North Ketapang, Petronas operates several other production sharing contracts in the region, including Ketapang, North Madura II, and Serpang offshore East Java, and Bobara offshore West Papua, and is a partner in six other Indonesian assets.