Pertamina begins exploratory drilling in North Kalimantan

PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Lepas Pantai Bunyu (PHE LPB) has begun drilling the Tingkilan-001 (TKLN-001) exploration well in Mangkupadi village, East Tanjung Palas district, Bulungan regency, North Kalimantan, as part of efforts to support national energy security.

“We continue to invest in exploration to find new oil and gas resources and sustain the company’s production. Through the Tingkilan-001 exploration project, we hope to add oil and gas reserves that will contribute to Indonesia’s energy availability and security,” said Muhdi Rizal, Drilling Manager for Zone 10, in a statement confirmed to ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The drilling is part of PHE LPB’s exploration programme in the Maratua Working Area, which aims to test the hydrocarbon potential of the Menumbar Formation based on geological studies and subsurface data.

The exploration well is being drilled vertically using the PDSI #21.2 rig, which has a capacity of 700 horsepower. It is expected to reach a final depth of 1,574 metres measured depth (mMD), or 1,554 metres true vertical depth subsea (mTVDSS).

To support the smooth running of the Tingkilan-001 (TKLN-001) exploration, PHE LPB had previously held consultations with communities near the project site.

The consultations were intended to strengthen cooperation and communication with residents while exploration is under way. The company met with local government representatives at regency, district and village level, customary and religious leaders, community figures and residents of Mangkupadi village.

The meetings provided an opportunity to share updates on exploration activities, strengthen coordination during the work, and explain the project’s plans, progress and safety measures.

PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Lepas Pantai Bunyu is part of Zone 10, under Upstream Subholding Regional 3, led by PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI).

In cooperation with SKK Migas, PHE LPB runs innovative Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility programmes in the fields of the economy, education, health, the environment, infrastructure and disaster response. The programmes are intended to support sustainable community empowerment and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).