Kutai Kartanegara – PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS) continues to make breakthroughs to optimize oil and gas production through the implementation of various innovations across its working area. One of these efforts is the development of the Dondang area, which includes the Mutiara and Pamaguan fields, achieving a daily production of 3,600 barrels of oil and 2 million standard cubic feet of gas throughout 2025. This figure accounts for around 40% of PHSS's oil production and 7% of its gas production.

This production performance was achieved through careful planning and the application of artificial lift technology suited to the reservoir conditions in the area. PHSS applied Permanent Coiled Tubing Gas Lift (PCTGL), an artificial lift technology proven effective in improving well production stability. This technology enables the optimization of oil production in wells with low reservoir pressure or minimal gas content. Production can be maintained and even increased without adding operational risk, thereby extending wells' productive life. Currently, PCTGL implementation has been completed in most wells in the Dondang area.

PHSS Field Manager, Widhiarto Imam Subarkah, stated that the Company is committed to supporting national energy security in line with the government's Asta Cita vision on energy self-sufficiency by maintaining sustainable investment and oil and gas production, as well as implementing practical innovations and technologies. "The application of innovation and technology plays an important role in maintaining the Company's oil and gas production levels, in line with the commitment of PHE and PT Pertamina (Persero) to provide sustainable energy for Indonesia's development and future," he said.

Imam added that the development of the Dondang area faces several challenging field conditions. The Mutiara and Pamaguan fields are known for their dense vegetation, and some locations are situated within water bodies, requiring more measured and safe operational approaches that remain adaptive to environmental conditions. "These challenges encourage PHSS to apply an integrated operational strategy that prioritizes safety, compliance, and environmental protection," he explained.

Another challenge in the Dondang area is the presence of highly segmented reservoir structures resulting from tectonic activity, which have produced numerous minor faults. One reservoir is not connected to another. In addition, the reservoir's position beneath water bodies requires specially designed wells to reach the targeted zones. "These conditions call for comprehensive planning to ensure maximum resource extraction," Imam noted.

The Manager of Subsurface Development Area 1, Zona 9, Magfirah Rajab, stated that Zona 9 continues to conduct evaluations to optimize oil and gas recovery in Area 1, including the Dondang area. Comprehensive evaluations continue to be carried out to optimize oil and gas recovery in Area 1 PHSS. This is done to maintain production sustainability amidst various dynamics that are expected to become opportunities for innovation so the Company's targets can be achieved," she said.

PHSS will continue to implement the Dondang area development strategy in a gradual and measured manner, aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Through collaboration with SKK Migas, local governments, and other stakeholders, PHSS remains committed to ensuring safe and reliable operations to support national energy security while delivering benefits for communities surrounding the working area.

PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) in Zona 9, managing upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the Sanga Sanga Working Area in East Kalimantan. As a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) contractor for the Indonesian government, represented by SKK Migas, PHSS, along with other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates, implements innovative Corporate Social Responsibility programs in the areas of Economics, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response to support sustainable community empowerment and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. More information about PHSS and PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.