Pertamina takes a step forward in CBM operation

By Demas Simbolon

The ME-III-CBM-001 well in Muara Enim block, South Sumatra, became the first CBM well operated by state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina through subsidiary Pertamina Hulu Energi Metana Sumatera 4 (PHE Metra 4).

Located in Jiwa Baru village, the ceremony to mark the drilling and first CBM coring took place in late December which was attended also by Pertamina Senior Vice President for Upstream Strategic Planning and Subsidary, Rony Gunawan, and VP Gas Metana Batubara PHE Budi Tamtomo as well as GM PHE Metra 4, Ahmad Susilo.

The company plans to drill a total of 8 wells at the block during the exploration stage.

The company's drilling activities also received good responses from the surrounding communities and local administration. The land acquisition and drilling permit processes were all completed in less than 4 months.

?After this first well, we will move on to Pager Dewa village. We expect to start drilling there later in January. Afterward, we'll move to the third, fourth and fifth well, and beyond," said Achmad Susilo in a statement.

Achmad said the firm will spend about US$2 million for each well.

Editing by Dadan Wijaksana