RRI.CO.ID, Palembang - Indonesian State-Owned Company PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Adera Field has announced a significant new discovery at the ABB-145 well within the Abab Structure, located in the Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (PALI) Regency, South Sumatra. Initial testing reveals a high-yield potential of 505 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), marking a successful start to the company's 2026 drilling program.

The discovery was confirmed during an initial flow test conducted on March 1, 2026, using a 13 mm choke. In addition to the oil yield, the test recorded a gas flow of 5.096 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD).

The ABB-145 well is an "infill well," part of a strategic development plan to maximize output from proven fields. The project moved at a rapid pace, with the spudding process beginning on January 31, 2026, and all drilling and completion activities wrapping up by February 28, 2026.

General Manager of PEP Zone 4, Djudjuwanto, credited the success to the team's ability to innovate within mature structures. “The discovery of this well is the result of the team's continuous efforts to present innovation in development exploitation activities,” he said on Friday, March 20, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The breakthrough in locating ABB-145 was largely due to the utilization of 3D seismic data acquired in 2023. Unlike previous 2D data, this advanced imaging provided a high-definition view of the subsurface conditions in the northeast section of the Abab Structure. This allowed engineers to pinpoint a "stratigraphic play", a type of oil trap, that was previously difficult to map.

While the initial flow was high, subsequent "multi-rate tests" (MRT) conducted after the flow stabilized suggest a steady, long-term production rate. Experts estimate the well will settle at a stable output of 129 BOPD and 1.8 MMSCFD of gas once it reaches optimal operating conditions.

Senior Manager of Subsurface Development & Planning for PEP Zone 4, Reza Nur Ardianto highlighted that this find proves that significant oil and gas potential still exists in established regions if the right technology is applied.

“We will continue to conduct studies so that this potential can be developed optimally,” he added.

This discovery is a vital contribution to Pertamina EP Zone 4’s ambitious 2026 target of reaching a total production of 30,305 BOPD, further strengthening Indonesia’s national energy security. ***