13 Oil and Gas Fields Discovered Near IKN, with Potential Value of Rp 2.5 Trillion
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Ministry of Transmigration has revealed the discovery of 13 oil and gas wells in the Samboja Transmigration Area, Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan. The find is located near the Nusantara Capital (IKN).
The energy reserves discovery, with an economic potential of Rp 2.5 trillion, is projected to transform the transmigration area into a new economic growth centre.
Transmigration Minister M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara stated that the find will strengthen regional development policies leveraging local natural resources. The ministry will soon coordinate steps to initiate exploration stages to promote national energy utilisation.
“The discovery of 13 oil and gas wells in the Samboja Transmigration Area, Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, marks a pivotal turning point for the future of transmigration areas. With an economic potential of Rp 2.5 trillion, this proves that transmigration is now transforming into a new growth centre no longer solely dependent on agriculture,” the ministry posted on its Instagram account @kementrans.ri, as quoted on Friday (8/5/2026).
The first step will be exploration activities scheduled for June. In implementation, the ministry will collaborate with the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas) and PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia.
“Together with SKK Migas and PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia, exploration will begin in June as a concrete step to promote national energy utilisation,” Kementrans stated.
The development of these dozen oil and gas wells is hoped not only to impact investment value but also to drive infrastructure development in the IKN support area. The presence of upstream oil and gas industry in the transmigration region is expected to create jobs and improve the living standards of local communities.
“More than just investment, this discovery is hoped to become a catalyst for development—strengthening energy resilience, opening job opportunities, and improving community welfare in transmigration areas,” Kementrans concluded.