Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Arifin Tasrif, is optimistic that Indonesia can achieve gas production target of 12 Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) in 2030 following the continuing positive production trend within three years and the start of new projects.
Indonesia produced 6,490 mmscfd of gas in 2022, 6,630 mmscfd in 2023 and has produced 6,665 mmscfd of gas as of June 2, 2024.
“So with the new gas discoveries in Andaman block, South Andaman block and Makassar Strait block, we will use gas for domestic use as part of the measures to reduce carbon emission. Gas is needed as a bridge in our energy transition efforts before we will turn to renewable energy,” Arifin said on Friday, August 2, 2024.
He said further that Indonesia has seven to eight potential gas fields that will start production between 2025 and 2026. One of the potential gas fields is the Makasar Strait gas field with huge gas reserves under Indonesia Deepwater Development (IDD) project.
After securing Merakes, Jangkrik gas fields, Italian oil and gas company ENI acquires IDD project from Chevron. After the acquisition, ENI discovered significant gas reserves in Geng North.
“So currently, ENI starts to drill Geng North in IDD area before it will start the production. Later, the produced gas will be channeled to Bontang in East Kalimantan, to activate dormant LNG facility,” he added.
Besides oil, there are also huge gas reserves in Geng North oil field, Konta and Meriam block. The last huge gas block discovered is Muara Bakau. ENI will start drilling the Muara Bakau block between January and February 2025 and followed by the drilling of Meriam gas field.
“In addition, we also have Andaman and South Andaman gas fields. Currently we are preparing to speed up the planned development of Andaman and South Andaman blocks,” Arifin said.
