APMI Backs Idle Well Reactivation to Boost Oil and Gas Output
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the Indonesian Oil, Gas and Geothermal Drilling Companies Association (APMI), Suprijonggo Santoso, has voiced support for the reactivation of idle wells to boost national oil and gas production.
“The effort by SKK Migas to reactivate idle wells and idle fields deserves support. In fact, Indonesia has tens of thousands of old idle wells that could lift oil and gas production,” said Suprijonggo in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.
SKK Migas recorded that by the end of 2025 there were more than 17,000 oil and gas wells in Indonesia with idle status, or temporarily shut in.
Most are located in old fields (brown fields) across Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan. Many still hold recoverable reserves that would be economical to produce if reactivated, at far lower cost than drilling new wells.
However, the majority of idle wells are in locations that are difficult to reach with large conventional rigs.
Therefore, APMI has proposed drilling equipment suited to Indonesia’s geographical characteristics, infrastructure and national needs, including the use of the Sinergy Lean Innovative Modular Rig (SLIM Rig).
“With the SLIM Rig, thousands of idle wells that have lain dormant can be brought back to life efficiently and at affordable cost,” he said.
This is expected to support the independence of the national drilling industry, reduce reliance on imports, cut operating costs, deliver greater economic impact for the domestic industry, and above all foster pride and confidence among Indonesians that we too can play a role in the oil, gas and geothermal drilling industry.
Meanwhile, manufacturer Ir. Doddy Suherman said much of the oil drilling equipment used in Indonesia is outdated.
“The equipment still in use dates from the 1980s, while other parts of the world are already using far more advanced tools,” he said.
According to him, exploration must be adapted to Indonesia’s geographic conditions, with its many mountains, forests and seas.
“Together with my team, I have tried to build a simple modular drilling rig,” he explained.