Balikpapan – PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) made a remarkable appearance at the Brunei Petroleum Technology Exhibition & Conference (BPETC) 2025, held in Bandar Seri Begawan from February 11 to 13. Representing PT Pertamina (Persero), PHM presented its groundbreaking innovation titled "Zirconia Sand Screen: Transforming Marginal Sand-Producing Wells in the Mahakam Block." This innovation is the first of its kind within Pertamina and globally.

The Zirconia Sand Screen is an advanced solution designed to manage sand production and optimize output in marginal and mature oil and gas fields, offering a more cost-efficient approach. Developed in collaboration with a sand control and filter screen partner, the innovation was selected after a rigorous evaluation by PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), which oversees the Subholding Upstream sector.

This technological advancement improves energy efficiency and supports environmental, social, and national energy governance. It also contributes to the growth of local industries by establishing a zirconia sand screen manufacturing facility in Batam.

PHM's General Manager, Setyo Sapto Edi, emphasized that this innovation enhances the Domestic Content Level/Tingkat Kandungan Dalam Negeri (TKDN), creates new job opportunities, and delivers significant economic benefits to the national industry. "This innovation proves that technology can address operational challenges in mature fields while supporting national energy sustainability," he stated.

Setyo also highlighted PHM's commitment to continuous innovation and adopting best practices in the upstream oil and gas industry nationally and internationally. By embracing these advanced technologies, PHM transforms operational challenges into strategic business opportunities.

The Mahakam Block in East Kalimantan, which has been producing oil and gas since 1974, continues to adopt innovative solutions to meet the demands of the upstream industry and future energy needs. The revolutionary Zirconide technology, featuring zirconia sand screens, offers a durable thru-tubing sand screen solution. This unique Zirconia Sand (ZrO2) material provides high erosion resistance and excellent ductility, resulting in a reliable High Erosion Sand Screen (HESS).

Using rigless well intervention methods, PHM has achieved an impressive 89 percent success rate for thru-tubing sand screens in the Mahakam Field. This innovation has enabled the production of 53 marginal reservoirs, delivering approximately 7.34 billion cubic feet (BCF) of gas and 170.79 thousand barrels of oil (KBBO) while reducing operational costs by up to 60 percent.

The success of the Zirconia Sand Screen innovation reflects PHM's ongoing dedication to optimizing oil and gas production efficiently and sustainably. Through technological advancement, collaboration, and local industry development, PHM remains at the forefront of addressing upstream oil and gas challenges while strengthening national energy security.

Looking ahead, PHM will continue to drive innovation and adapt to the evolving landscape of the upstream oil and gas industry, ensuring long-term operational sustainability and delivering lasting value for the nation.

PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) that manages upstream oil and gas operations and business activities by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the Mahakam Working Area, East Kalimantan. In collaboration with SKK Migas, PHM, along with PHI's subsidiaries and affiliates, continuously drives innovation and technological advancements to deliver safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly energy in support of #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. For more information about PHI, visit https://phi.pertamina.com.