Tuban block may be split into two working areas

The Tuban block in East Java Province, currently operated by Joint Operating Body (JOB) Pertamina-Petrochina East Java (JOB PPEJ), may be split into two working areas after the current contract expires in February of 2018, Bisnis Indonesia reported on Thursday.

The paper quoted Ali Masyhar, Head of Upstream Oil and Gas Authority SKK Migas?s East Java and Nusa Tenggara Regional Office, as saying that the block?s Sukowati field may be transferred to PT Pertamina EP Asset 4, while the Mudi field to be handed over to PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) after the current contract of the JOB expires.

He, however, acknowledged that the final decision will be made following the expiry of the contract including whether the block will be divided into two areas, and who will be assigned to take over the block.

The current Tuban block contract was signed in February 1998. The Tuban working area, totaling 7,391 sq km, spans six regencies in East Java including Sidoarjo, Mojokerto, Gresik, Lamongan, Tuban and Bojonegoro.

JOB PPEJ said that as per May 26, production at the Sukowati field stood at 10,500-10,800 bopd, while production at Mudi field at 1,100-1,200 bopd, or six percent higher than this year?s target.

PT Pertamina Hulu Energi owns 75 percent of JOB PPEJ, while partner PetroChina East Java holds the remaining 25 percent. (*)