JAKARTA – In a strategic push to strengthen Indonesia’s energy independence, SKK Migas optimizes old wells through collaborative national efforts. The initiative aims to enhance oil and gas production from mature fields, which still hold untapped potential despite their declining output over the years.
The move is part of SKK Migas’ long-term roadmap to reduce reliance on energy imports and leverage existing domestic resources. By reviving aging oil wells—often overlooked in favor of new drilling projects—SKK Migas is making a bold statement: innovation and collaboration are key to achieving sustainable energy resilience.
Tapping into National Potential through Collaboration
The initiative doesn’t stand alone. SKK Migas is working hand-in-hand with regional governments, universities, state-owned enterprises, and private contractors. This multi-sectoral collaboration is not only aimed at improving extraction techniques but also at developing local capabilities and technologies that can be scaled across the archipelago.
According to SKK Migas Chairman Dwi Soetjipto, old wells can contribute up to 10% of national oil production if managed properly. “With the right technology and local support, these wells can be optimized to produce more efficiently,” said Dwi during a recent energy forum in Jakarta.
Technology and Innovation at the Core
The optimization process involves Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods, digital well monitoring systems, and low-cost modular equipment tailored for small-scale operations. These innovations allow for safer, more efficient, and environmentally-conscious extraction.
Moreover, SKK Migas is exploring AI-powered predictive maintenance tools to extend the life of older wells and minimize unplanned downtime—an approach expected to bring cost-efficiency while maintaining output stability.
Driving Toward Energy Self-Sufficiency
Indonesia, once a net exporter of oil, has seen its production decline significantly over the past decades. Reviving old wells offers a realistic pathway to reduce dependency on imports and improve the national energy trade balance.
This initiative also aligns with Indonesia’s broader energy roadmap, targeting 1 million barrels per day of oil production by 2030. With the optimization of old wells now a central pillar of this strategy, the country is setting a precedent for resourceful energy governance.
Conclusion
Through the revitalization of mature oil fields, SKK Migas optimizes old wells not only to boost national production but also to foster a spirit of collaboration across industries and regions. As Indonesia pushes forward in its quest for energy sovereignty, old wells may just hold the key to a more self-reliant future.
