Understanding the Various Potentials of Unconventional Oil and Gas (MNK / Migas Non Konvensional) Reservoirs in Indonesia

Authors

  • Wikan Winderasta IAGI
  • Milla Hayati Amlan IAGI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51835/bsed.2025.51.2.516

Keywords:

Unconventional oil and gas, Indonesia, reservoir, Paleogene, Early Miocene

Abstract

Indonesia has significant potential in the development of unconventional oil and gas from the Paleogene to Early Miocene, especially in the Sumatra region. The main formations that act as sources and reservoirs of unconventional hydrocarbons in the Eocene to Oligocene as well as Early Miocene periods include:

• Lower Baong and Bampo Formations: Known as the main hydrocarbon producing formation in the North Sumatra Basin.

• Pematang Group: Brown Shale Formation contains shale rich in organic material and Upper/Lower Red Bed Formations of basin center with tight sands gas in the Central Sumatra Basin.

• Talang Akar and Lemat/Lahat Formations: Consisting of shale rich in organic material in the South Sumatra Basin.

However, the development of unconventional oil and gas in the Paleogene formation of Indonesia faces different challenges compared to shale oil and gas play in North America, Argentina, China, the Middle East, and Australia. These challenges include:

• Reservoir Characteristics: Shale in Indonesia generally has a higher clay content and a lower brittleness index compared to shale in North America, which can affect the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing techniques.

• Infrastructure and Technology: Limited supporting infrastructure and advanced technology are obstacles to the development of unconventional oil and gas in Indonesia. By addressing these challenges through reservoir characterisation, technological advancement, and infrastructure development, Indonesia has the potential to optimise its unconventional oil and gas resources, particularly those from the Paleogene period in the Sumatra region.

Author Biographies

Wikan Winderasta, IAGI

Geologist Independent

Milla Hayati Amlan, IAGI

Geologist Independent

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Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Winderasta, W., & Amlan, M. H. (2025). Understanding the Various Potentials of Unconventional Oil and Gas (MNK / Migas Non Konvensional) Reservoirs in Indonesia. Berita Sedimentologi, 51(2), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.51835/bsed.2025.51.2.516

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