Pertamina's offshore well beats output goal by more than double

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Offshore North West Java (PHE ONWJ) said a newly drilled offshore oil well is producing 780 barrels a day, more than doubling its initial target, bolstering Indonesia's efforts to slow declining crude output from aging fields.

The LLA-5 well demonstrates that offshore reserves in northwest Java remain attractive for further development, General Manager Muzwir Wiratama said in a statement released on Wednesday.

The LLA-5 well began production on June 26, 2026. Pertamina said the crude is of high quality, with a water content of just three percent.

Muzwir said offshore drilling faced technical challenges, but field teams overcame them despite the operational risks associated with offshore exploration and development.

Drilling activities were completed safely over 67 days from late April 2026, recording more than 84,000 accident-free work hours, according to the company.

The LLA-5 well remains in its initial cleanup phase, with oil production expected to increase as testing and stabilization continue.

The additional output provides support for Indonesia's oil production, which has declined in recent years as mature oil fields naturally produce lower volumes over time.

"The result provides a strong foundation for us to continue the next drilling program with the LLA-7 well," Muzwir said.

PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, a unit of state-owned PT Pertamina (Persero), serves as the group's upstream subholding, managing oil and gas exploration and production assets in Indonesia and overseas.

PHE has assigned its Java Regional division to oversee upstream operations across western Java, including PHE ONWJ, PHE Offshore Southeast Sumatra, Pertamina EP West Java and Pertamina East Natuna.

The regional portfolio spans Jakarta, Banten, Lampung, Bangka Belitung and West Java Provinces, coordinating exploration and production activities across some of Indonesia's most important upstream energy assets.

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Translator: Putu IS, Rahmad Nasution

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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