Bunyu Island, North Kalimantan– PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Bunyu Field has successfully implemented the Plug Release Valve (PRV) innovation, a technological breakthrough that enables valve replacement on the casing valve without shutting down well production flow, thereby maintaining the operational integrity of the Company's oil and gas production from the Bunyu Island field, North Kalimantan. The innovation was implemented during June 2025 on two oil and gas wells, namely Well B-179 and Well B-176, with production levels of 152 and 56 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), respectively.

Senior Manager of PEP Bunyu Field Despredi Akbar explained that the implementation of innovation and technology plays a crucial role in maintaining the recovery and production rates of mature oil and gas fields. "We believe that the implementation of innovation and technology plays an important role in maintaining the sustainability of the Company's oil and gas production in Kalimantan, in line with PHE and PT Pertamina (Persero)'s commitment to supporting the achievement of national oil and gas production targets and Indonesia's energy security," he said.

According to Despredi, by using PRV technology, the casing valve replacement process can be carried out without shutting in the well and without involving the use of a rig, making it more efficient in terms of time and cost. "Based on the conventional approaches, casing valve repairs require production shutdowns and rig deployment, which significantly impacts the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of oil and gas operations and production," he stated.

PEP Bunyu's success in implementing this innovation is the result of collaboration within the Well Intervention (WLI) Function, which was able to develop an alternative approach based on technical competence and careful risk evaluation. "The successful implementation of PRV technology is not only about technical efficiency, but also part of a strategic effort to maintain the sustainability of energy supplies, in the form of oil and gas from the PEP Bunyu field in North Kalimantan. Every drop of oil that is successfully maintained is a real contribution to national energy security," he added.

Assistant Manager of WLI Nendra Mulia Razak stated that PRV technology allows precise installation of casing valve replacements without the need to shut down well production. Meanwhile, the Senior Supervisor of WLI Evan Sapputro emphasized that this innovation aligns with the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), particularly the "Operational Excellence & Innovation" pillar, which emphasizes the use of efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly technology in upstream oil and gas operations. "We believe that innovation is not only about technology, but about the courage to change and improve," added Evan Sapputro.

Through this innovation, PEP Bunyu Field demonstrates that operational challenges can be addressed with adaptive, competency-based solutions, thereby supporting the sustainability of the Company's oil and gas production, which is crucial for Indonesia's energy supply and security.

PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Bunyu Field is part of Zona 10 Subholding Upstream Regional 3 Kalimantan, which is led by PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia. Through cooperation with SKK Migas, PEP Bunyu Field carries out safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in East Kalimantan/North Kalimantan/South Kalimantan according to the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) to support the sustainability of national oil and gas production and realize #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. More information about PHI-Regional 3 Kalimantan is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.