Pertamina's Exploration in Natuna Waters for National Energy Security

An exploration project in the North Natuna Sea is currently being undertaken by Pertamina East Natuna, a subsidiary of Pertamina’s upstream oil and gas sector. This project is managed under the Regional Java, Pertamina’s Upstream Sub-holding, as part of an effort to increase domestic oil and gas reserves.

The production-sharing contract between Pertamina East Natuna and SKK Migas has been in effect since June 2023 for the next thirty years, with Pertamina East Natuna holding 100% ownership and serving as the operator.

The exploration activities are conducted to verify and validate the identified resource potential. “The potential resource figures need further validation through a 3D seismic data acquisition covering an area of 1,166 km² to support the new oil and gas resources search in the North Natuna Sea,” said Indra Yuliandri, VP of Exploration at Regional Java, Pertamina’s Upstream Sub-holding.

Several key exploration activities, both technical and non-technical, have been completed. Socialization and coordination with the Natuna Regional Government have also been carried out to ensure a conducive collaboration. The successful acquisition of 3D seismic data in the Pertamina East Natuna working area demonstrates operational excellence, with the program completed ahead of schedule, cost efficiency, zero accidents, and high-quality data acquisition.

Currently, preparations for exploration drilling are being refined, with technical studies and operational readiness serving as initial steps before exploration drilling, which is planned for 2026.

With a well-planned strategy and exploration technology utilization, Pertamina East Natuna is optimistic about maximizing the resource potential in East Natuna, one of Indonesia’s outermost regions. This step is not just about oil and gas exploration activities but also part of a larger vision to strengthen national energy security, providing positive economic impacts for the country.