Utilising Longest Drilling Technology, Saka Boosts Oil and Gas Production in Pangkah PSC

PT Saka Energi Indonesia (SAKA), through its subsidiary Saka Indonesia Pangkah Limited (SIPL), has recorded positive results from exploration activities in the waters of East Java. This oil and gas company, part of Pertamina’s Gas Subholding, successfully completed the drilling of the UPA-17ST development well in the Ujung Pangkah Field, Pangkah Working Area (WK Pangkah).

Based on production testing conducted on 29 March 2026, the well is capable of producing 2,443 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) and 3.72 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMSCFD). This achievement surpasses the company’s initial targets.

SAKA’s Operations Director, Achmad Agus Miftakhurrohman, stated that this success continues the company’s positive trend following the previous successful operation of the SID-05 well.

“The successful drilling of the UPA-17ST well represents a significant recent achievement. The production results exceeding targets demonstrate the reservoir’s excellent potential and reflect the effectiveness of technical planning,” Achmad said in an official statement on Thursday (2/4).

The UPA-17ST well project sets an internal record as the longest reach drilling well ever conducted by SAKA. The project utilised Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) technology, which enables drilling to reach reservoirs far from production facilities without the need to build new platforms.

This approach is considered highly efficient as it leverages existing infrastructure. Operationally, the drilling is a conversion from an idle well, requiring high precision due to the length of its horizontal trajectory.

“The application of ERD technology, the use of expandable casing, and improved carbonate reservoir stimulation techniques are the company’s efforts to enhance field development efficiency,” Achmad added.

This success has received appreciation from the Special Task Force for the Implementation of Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas). SKK Migas Head, Djoko Siswanto, welcomed SAKA’s contribution to increasing national oil and gas lifting.

“Alhamdulillah, the results of the UPA-17ST development well drilling activity are very good,” said Djoko Siswanto.

The drilling of the UPA-17ST well began on 12 October 2025 using the SinoOcean Peace Jack Up Rig and was completed by the end of December 2025. After undergoing stimulation and production testing stages, the well is now officially onstream, flowing its production into the field’s integrated system.