JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) has announced a groundbreaking discovery of hydrocarbons at the Gulamo DET-1 well in the Rokan Block, Riau, marking Indonesia’s first unconventional oil well (MNK). The discovery follows successful initial flow testing after hydraulic fracturing of the brown shale formation, which resulted in hydrocarbon samples.

This significant finding underscores the potential for developing unconventional oil and gas resources within the Rokan Block, said Andre Wijanarko, Executive Vice President of Upstream Business at PHR, in a press statement on Tuesday (Nov. 19).

Unconventional oil and gas resources, or MNK, are typically found in fine-grained, low-permeability reservoir rocks. These deposits often require advanced extraction techniques such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to be economically viable. Among the resources targeted are shale oil, shale gas, tight oil, tight gas, coalbed methane, and methane hydrates.

The drilling rig used for the Gulamo DET-1 well is a high-capacity 1,500-horsepower unit. Pertamina views this discovery as a key step forward in exploring and developing unconventional oil and gas fields in the Rokan Block. The company plans to conduct further assessments to determine the full potential of the resources discovered.

Sunjaya Eka Saputra, Head of the Exploration Division at SKK Migas, expressed enthusiasm about the discovery, calling it a promising development for Indonesia’s oil and gas industry. “This achievement is expected to serve as a model for future exploration and development of unconventional fields across the nation,” he remarked.

The Gulamo DET-1 well, which was first drilled in July 2023, reached a depth of 8,559 feet using the powerful 1,500-horsepower rig. The well is part of Pertamina’s strategic efforts to tap into the potential of unconventional resources in the region.

This landmark discovery aligns with Pertamina’s broader strategy to expand its exploration of unconventional oil and gas reserves in Indonesia, which is crucial for addressing the country’s growing energy demands and securing its position in the global energy landscape.

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Pertamina’s Leadership Shifts and Strategic Initiatives

The Growth of Indonesia’s Oil and Gas Exploration Sector

As Indonesia looks to diversify its energy resources, the successful development of unconventional energy sources will play a critical role in ensuring long-term energy security and strengthening the nation’s global energy footprint.