SAKA Drives Pekawai Block Exploration to Unlock New Oil and Gas Potential
PT Saka Energi Indonesia (SAKA), a subsidiary of Pertamina’s Gas Subholding, PGN, is strengthening its commitment to driving exploration activities to discover new oil and gas reserves in support of national energy security. As part of this commitment, SAKA plans to drill one exploration well in the third quarter of 2026 as a strategic step to unlock new hydrocarbon potential within one of its operational areas.
Fuji Koesumadewi, Director of Exploration and Development at SAKA, stated that one of the exploration working blocks managed by SAKA through PT Saka Energi Sepinggan is the Pekawai Block, located in East Kalimantan Province. Since being appointed by the government through SKK Migas as an operator under the gross split scheme on 16 May 2018, SAKA has continued to develop the potential of the Pekawai Block, which covers an exploration area of 1,555 km², including both onshore and offshore zones.
“The Pekawai Block is one of SAKA’s strategic exploration assets with very promising prospects,” said Fuji in a statement on Saturday, 1 August 2026. “Through various exploration activities conducted in a gradual and measurable manner, we strive to maximise the oil and gas potential in this working block.”
In fulfilling its exploration commitments in the Pekawai Block, SAKA consistently carries out various activities, including geological and geophysical studies, which have successfully identified two main prospects: the Saka Manpatu (SM)-1 prospect and the Hanna Prospect in the offshore area. Since 2022, SAKA has also been collaborating with Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) to mature these two prospects. This effort was further strengthened in 2024 with the approval of an Extension of the Exploration Period (PJWE) until 15 May 2028, providing space for a more comprehensive exploration programme.
As a follow-up, in early 2026, SAKA obtained approval from PGN to proceed with the drilling of the SM-1 appraisal well, targeting a depth of approximately 12,000 ft as part of its certain exploration commitments. This drilling is expected to prove the existence of oil and gas resources in the Pekawai Block, while also opening opportunities for development through unitisation schemes with PHM. Additionally, geological and geochemical surveys in the onshore area are currently being conducted as part of geological and geophysical (G&G) activities, which are targeted for completion in 2026.