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Natural gas

Pertamina Discovers 724 Million Barrels of Oil Equivalent in Riau Province

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The discovery of 724 million barrels of oil equivalent in unconventional oil and gas reserves in the Rokan block by Pertamina's subsidiary, Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR), has the potential to be a significant economic boost for Riau Province, according to Riau Governor Abdul Wahid. The reserves were identified through drilling at the Gulamo and Kelok wells, with the drilling reaching nearly three kilometers deep, targeting shale formations that require advanced, non-conventional extraction techniques. This marks a major step in Indonesia's push into unconventional energy development, with the government expecting the discovery to support national energy security goals and help meet oil production targets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The reserves discovered in the Rokan block consist of 724 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE), which is a significant find for the province.
  • The drilling effort reached a depth of nearly three kilometers, targeting shale formations that require advanced, non-conventional extraction techniques.
  • The discovery was announced by PHR's President Director, Simon Aloysius Mantiri, during a parliamentary hearing, and marks a major operational milestone for Pertamina.
  • The reserves were identified through drilling at the Gulamo and Kelok wells in 2023 and 2024, with PHR assuming control of the block from Chevron Pacific Indonesia in 2021.
  • The company is conducting preliminary feasibility studies to evaluate the reservoir's quality and commercial potential, and is focused on understanding the reservoir characteristics of the Brown Shale formation.
  • The discovery has the potential to support national energy security goals and help meet oil production targets set by President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

Statistics:

  • 724 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) discovered in the Rokan block.
  • Drilling effort reached a depth of nearly three kilometers.
  • Documented discovery dates: drilling at Gulamo and Kelok wells in 2023 and 2024.
  • Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) assumed control of the block from Chevron Pacific Indonesia in 2021.

Sources:

  • Antara News Agency (September 14, 2025).
  • Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR).
  • Chevron Pacific Indonesia.
  • Presidential administration of President Prabowo Subianto.

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