Potential of 11.3 Billion Barrels of 'Unconventional Oil' Identified, Location Revealed
PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) has identified a potential of ‘unconventional oil’ or non-conventional oil and gas (MNK) amounting to 11.3 billion barrels of oil in place. This discovery is located in the North Aman sub-basin, Rokan Block.
The finding is projected to be a game-changer for national energy resilience amid the decline in production from ageing conventional oil fields.
PHR President Director Muhamad Arifin explained that the development of MNK represents a strategy to offset the production decline in conventional fields. Arifin noted that the substantial potential in the North Aman structure presents an opportunity that has never been exploited in Indonesia before.
“With the ongoing decline in production from ageing fields, the development of non-conventional oil and gas is no longer an option but a strategic necessity. MNK has the potential to be a game-changer in strengthening Pertamina’s future energy portfolio while safeguarding national energy resilience,” he stated at the OTC Asia 2026 event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in a written statement quoted on Thursday (9/4/2026).
Specifically, this jumbo potential is located in the Gulamo and Kelok areas within the Rokan working area, Riau. The company has confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons through exploratory well drilling and flowback testing as the initial milestone for MNK development in Indonesia.
Furthermore, PHR is currently proceeding with planning for horizontal drilling and multi-stage fracturing through the appraisal process. The North Aman structure serves as a crucial foundation for unlocking MNK potential in other sub-basins within the Rokan Block, such as South Aman, Rangau, and Balam.
“The biggest challenge for MNK lies in above-ground aspects, starting from high investment costs, competitive regulatory and fiscal support, to infrastructure readiness and strengthening capabilities and experience. Therefore, collaboration across stakeholders is required,” he explained.
The company has established a roadmap for MNK development, beginning with a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) target in the second quarter of 2026. Subsequently, appraisal well drilling is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, with initial production expected to commence in 2028.
Large-scale development is anticipated to begin in 2030, with peak production projected for 2037. In addition to North Aman, this structure also forms an important basis for unlocking MNK potential in other areas such as South Aman, Rangau, and Balam within the same working area.
“We are optimistic that Indonesia is ready to transition from the pilot stage to measured and sustainable MNK development. With the right approach, MNK will become a key pillar in supporting national energy resilience in the future,” he emphasised.