Apexindo spuds Total's Anggrek Hitam well in Papua

By Febry Silaban

IDX-listed oil and gas drilling contractor PT Apexindo Pratama Duta Tbk said it has spudded Anggrek Hitam-1X well within the Southwest Bird's Head block, developed by Total E&P Indonesie West Papua.

"The drilling started on June 21," Agus Sidianto, General Manager Offshore Operations Division of Apexindo, told Petromindo.com on Tuesday, adding that the drilling is targeted to be completed within one and a half months.

The rig used is Maera rig that was shipped out from the Mahakam block in East Kalimantan to South Sorong, Papua in early June. "Maera Rig has arrived in Papua since June 17," said Agus,

Separately, Head of Media relations of Total E&P Indonesie, Kristanto Hartadi, said to Petromindo.com that drilling in the Anggrek Hitam-1X well is expected to be completed even sooner.

"When drilling is completed, the results will be evaluated and studied, and it would take several months to examine the contents and the potential in the well," explained Kristanto.

Editing by Dadan Wijaksana