The government continues to accelerate measures towards energy self-sufficiency, putting oil&gas projects as the main pillar, with the Gendalo-Gandang (previous named: Indonesia Deepwater Development) being determined as the latest project under the National Strategic Project (PSN) category based on Regulation of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy No. 6/2024.

The Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Task Force (SKK Migas) is collaborating with universities to ensure the success of this project, including in field development and implementation of the Local Content (TKDN) requirement.

In this effort, the kick-off meeting for the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) review of the IDD Project was held at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) campus in Surabaya on Friday, November 22, 2024. This event was attended by SKK Migas Deputy for Exploitation Wahju Wibowo, Eni Senior Project Manager Alessandro Perciante, and ITS Rector Bambang Pramujati.

Wahju Wibowo emphasized that the involvement of academics is a strategic measure to ensure the success of the Gendalo Gandang oil&gas project, which is targeted to start operating in 2027.

"This collaboration is part of SKK Migas' transformation towards a Center of Excellence. We involve universities such as ITS and Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to provide technical expertise support and prioritize TKDN in project development," he said.

He said further that this collaboration also aims to strengthen national technological independence.

"We hope that the lecturers involved can convey the latest technology to students, so that they are ready to compete in the upstream oil and gas industry upon graduation," he added.

Bambang Pramujati said that ITS's involvement in this project is a form of real contribution from universities in supporting the national energy sector.

"This is a strategic measure to ensure the sustainability of PSN in accordance with the principles of good governance, siding with local products, and compliance with TKDN regulations," he said.

Meanwhile, Eni's Senior Project Manager, Alessandro Perciante, appreciated the involvement of SKK Migas and ITS. "This FEED review is expected to increase the transfer of knowledge and technology for the benefit of the country," he said.

The Gendalo Gandang project includes the development of 12 wells connected to the Jangkrik Floating Production Unit (FPU), with a subsea architecture designed for operational flexibility.

Great potential

The Gendalo Field, located approximately 120 km east of Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, was discovered in 2000 through the Gendalo-1 exploration well. Meanwhile, the Gandang Field was discovered in 1999 through the Gandang-1 well, which was later confirmed by the Gandang-2 appraisal well. Both are located in the offshore waters of East Kalimantan with a depth of up to 1,820 meters.

Through synergy between academics, government, and industry, this project is expected to strengthen Indonesia's position in developing independent and globally competitive energy.