Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia lends support to the utilization of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) method, in particular the steamflood technique, to optimize oil production.
“Our lifting target must increase in order to maintain the country’s dignity and sovereignty in the context of energy. This is our responsibility as a nation,” Bahlil said while reviewing the work area of PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) in Duri, Bengkalis regency, Riau, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
PHR has been utilizing the steamflood EOR technique to increase oil production. This steamflood EOR technique works by injecting steam into the oil reservoir, so that the viscosity of the oil is reduced and easier to produce.
On the occasion, Bahlil also emphasized the importance of innovation in drilling technology to increase the contribution of the oil and gas sector in meeting domestic energy needs.
PHR, a subsidiary of State energy company PT Pertamina, is optimistic that through various innovations it can continue to increase oil production from the Rokan Block, which has so far been one of the largest contributors to national oil production.
Head of the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Task Force (SKK Migas), Djoko Siswanto, who accompanied Bahlil on the visit, appreciated PHR’s choice of steamflood EOR technique to increase production.
“This is good news for the Indonesian upstream oil and gas industry. We hope that this method will continue to run smoothly while still prioritizing reliable and safe performance,” Djoko said.
SKK Migas has also approved the Plan of Development (POD) for Steamflood EOR Phase-1 in the Rantau Bais Field, Rokan Hilir regency. PHR is now preparing to develop the field to support national energy security.
In addition, PHR has recorded significant achievements in efforts to increase oil production in the Rokan Block. In January 2025, PHR managed to implement the first Put On Injection (POI) on the steamflood EOR project in the North Duri Development (NDD) Area 14 field, faster than the initial target planned in May 2025.
With this success, PHR can accelerate injection in other wells, with a target of completing 15 injectors/patterns in June 2025.
“We hope that this steamflood project can contribute to efforts to maintaining national energy security,” PHR President Director, Ruby Mulyawan, said.
The NDD A14 field is one of the new developments after the transfer of management of the Rokan Block by Pertamina.
Bahlil said the government will continue to provide full support to PHR in optimizing national oil production.
“I am sure Pertamina is able to achieve this target. Our oil lifting comes from Pertamina, and around 25-30 percent comes from PHR. We must continue to maintain the dignity of the country by increasing energy production for the people,” Bahlil concluded.
