Balikpapan – Zona 9 Subholding Upstream Pertamina, managed under PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), achieved several positive milestones in operational and production performance in 2024. Strategic initiatives and key projects successfully boosted oil production and gas sales throughout the year. These achievements also reflect Zona 9's commitment to meeting its established targets.

One of Zona 9 significant achievements was the implementation of the borderless project, which involved synergizing resources in managing overlapping oil and gas working areas of PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS) and PT Pertamina EP (PEP) in East Kalimantan. In 2024, five borderless well drillings were completed, yielding an initial rate of 5 MMscfd of gas and 100 bopd of oil. Additionally, in surface facilities, PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Sangasanga Field in Zona 9 completed two Facilities Sharing Agreement (FSA) projects mid-year with a more efficient cost of USD 2.9 million.

Furthermore, the Mini Gas Compressor Installation in Sangasanga, operational since March 26, 2024, positively impacted gas sales from the Sangasanga Field. This project increased gas sales by 1 MMscfd to meet the growing domestic market demand. Another notable contribution came from the Gas Commercialization Project in Semberah, PEP Sangatta Field, which began on-stream on November 23, 2024. This project increased gas sales by 0.5 MMscfd, further strengthening Zona 9 performance in the gas sector.

Overall, gas sales saw significant growth, with year-to-date sales from Sangasanga Field reaching 106% of the RKAP and year-to-date sales from Sangatta Field hitting 158% of the RKAP.

Zona 9 implemented various strategies and initiatives for oil production to enhance operational efficiency and production sustainability. Key steps included optimizing base production to maximize well potential, expediting workovers in PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS) fields, and extending the PDSI 38.2 rig's working period to support continuous drilling activities.

Ade Diar Suhendar, Senior Manager of Production & Projects in Zona 9, explained that the company applies best engineering practices from the national and global upstream oil and gas industry. "We optimize drilling sequences to enhance drilling efficiency, complete the PNX-01 well to revitalize resources, and use fracturing techniques in PHSS fields to increase oil flow from wells," Ade said. He added that the company also applies advanced technologies such as Filtrex and Desander to improve production quality and efficiency. "These steps underscore our commitment to ensuring optimal operations and supporting long-term goals," he concluded.

In Q1 2024, PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Sangatta Field achieved the highest daily oil production since 1987, driven by successful drilling in development wells ST-217 and ST-194.

In a separate interview, SKK Migas Kalimantan and Sulawesi Representative Azhari Idris expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Production Sharing Contractors/Kontraktor Kontrak Kerja Sama (KKKS), Pertamina EP, and PHSS, part of Zona 9. The successes resulted from the KKKS's hard work, which was supported by collaboration among relevant stakeholders, including local governments. The borderless drilling initiative and best engineering practices effectively increased oil and gas production while improving operational efficiency to ensure sustainable operations and energy self-sufficiency.

Beyond operational and production activities, Zona 9 also excelled in implementing Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programs, with 60 programs in 2024 involving various stakeholders.

Some flagship programs gained recognition, including PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Sangatta Field's Prolekta program, which was a Platinum Winner in the Economic Empowerment category; PEP Sangasanga Field's Sungai Hitam Lestari program, which was a platinum winner in the biodiversity Equality category; and the Gold Winner in the Gender Equality category at the Indonesia Social Responsibility Award (ISRA).

Additionally, at the 2024 Bisnis Indonesia Corporate Social Responsibility Award (BISRA), PEP Sangatta received the Top 5 Platinum Champion award for the Prolekta program, while PEP Sangasanga won the Platinum Winner award for the Sungai Hitam Lestari program.

These achievements highlight Zona 9's success in maintaining optimal operational performance throughout 2024. With integrated management strategies and technological innovations, Zona 9 remains committed to making significant contributions to meeting national energy needs. The accomplishments of 2024 are expected to serve as a positive step toward achieving the 2025 targets.

PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) is part of Pertamina's Upstream Subholding, managing upstream oil and gas operations and business activities in Regional 3 Kalimantan under Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. In 2023, PHI and its subsidiaries, in collaboration with SKK Migas, recorded oil production of 62,170 barrels per day (MBOPD) and gas production of 710 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD). Striving to become a world-class oil and gas company, PHI continues to drive innovation and technological advancements to deliver safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly energy, supporting #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. For more information, visit (https://phi.pertamina.com).