Offshore Oil and Gas Production in West Java Increases as New Well Yields Pure Oil
Offshore oil and gas production performance in northern West Java has shown an upward trend. PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Offshore North West Java (PHE ONWJ) recorded high initial production from the LLA-6 development well on the LLA Platform, achieving 1,321 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) and 2 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMSCFD).
Notably, the hydrocarbon production from this oil well flows naturally with a Basic Sediment and Water (BSW) level of 0%, meaning the produced oil is considered pure without water content. Adang Sukmatiawan, Senior Manager of Subsurface Development & Planning at PHE ONWJ, stated that this success resulted from evaluations and lessons learned from previous drilling operations.
“The success of the LLA-6 well was achieved through lessons learned from the LLE-5ST well which we drilled last year,” said Adang. He noted that because the target layers were the same, the company refined its drilling strategies and formulations to optimise production results. The LLA-6 well began drilling on 24 March 2026 using the PGD-II Rig, reaching a final depth of 5,407 feet measured depth (ftMD). The entire process, from drilling to production flow testing, was completed in just 33 days on 2 May 2026.
LLA-6 is the first well to be re-drilled on the LLA Platform after more than 24 years of inactivity. During the process, the subsurface team faced various technical challenges, including shallow gas hazards, seabed bubbles, and the potential loss of drilling fluids in certain layers. However, through the application of geomechanical studies and integrated drilling programmes, the drilling was successfully completed.
Recent data from the well also indicates potential for new developments in the southern area of the LL-30 layer for future drilling. In addition to high production, the project recorded significant cost efficiencies. Based on current field estimates, the drilling costs for the LLA-6 well reached only approximately 61.5% of the Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) approved by SKK Migas, representing a saving of nearly 40% from the initial budget.
Muzwir Wiratama, General Manager of PHE ONWJ, assessed that this achievement proves the implementation of an operational strategy that is safer, faster, and more efficient. “Executing the work plan safely, completing it faster, and with much better results is a testament to the PHE ONWJ spirit: Safer, Faster, Better,” said Muzwir.
Following the success of LLA-6, PHE ONWJ is now shifting its focus to the next wells, LLA-5 and LLA-7. The company hopes that production from these new wells can match or exceed the achievements of LLA-6 as part of the effort to increase national oil and gas production and strengthen domestic energy security.