TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKK Migas) deputy operation, Fatar Yani Abdurrahman, said that Pertamina could start the oil exploration in Rokan Block in early 2020. At present, the SKK Migas is monitoring the transition process of the state-run oil and gas firm and PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia.

“We expect the drilling to begin at the end of this year or early next year,” said Fatar during a discussion in Gondangdia, Jakarta, Thursday, August 8.

Fatar said that his side is preparing some business scheme along with the two firms. “We have some business models to apply,” he said.

According to him, the oil and gas production in the Rokan Block is decreasing over the years. Initially, the production could reach 400,000 barrels per day by implementing Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR).

The drop, he added, occurred since previous contractors refused to take the EOR method following the declining price of oil in the last few years. This condition was supported by the end of the contract period of Chevron in 2021.

“This is the task for the new contractor, so we monitor it, making sure this transition runs,” he added.

As for the new business scheme in Rokan Block, Fatar said it will be announced after a decision is taken. He added that Pertamina is still handling the oil spill in its ONWJ block in Karawang, West Java.

EKO WAHYUDI