Antara, Heru Andriyanto, Jakarta – Indonesia's Geological Agency has begun an airborne survey in Sulawesi to identify potential new oil and gas reserves as the country seeks to expand hydrocarbon exploration and attract fresh investment, an official announced on Sunday.
The survey is focused on the Lariang Basin in West Sulawesi and Enrekang in South Sulawesi, using Full Tensor Airborne Gravity Gradiometry (FT/AGG) to collect high-resolution subsurface data, said Edy Slameto, Head of the Geological Survey Center.Accurate mapping, he added, will provide industry players with more clarity on the hydrocarbon potential of the two regions.
"These are prospective basins. We hope the improved resolution of the data will increase investment interest," Edy said.
The airborne survey will cover approximately 33,000 kilometers of flight lines, using a fixed-wing aircraft for flatter terrain and helicopters for mountainous areas. Edy said the mission is expected to be completed within 35 days, subject to weather conditions.
The targeted sites were selected partly due to their location near the Sengkang Basin, which currently produces natural gas used to supply electricity in South Sulawesi.
"We expect Lariang and Enrekang to also yield new oil or gas discoveries to support energy needs in Sulawesi and across Indonesia," he said.
China-backed offshore survey also underway
The Geological Agency also began a 40-day offshore seismic survey on December 1 in the Gorontalo Basin using the Hai Yang Shi You 760 vessel operated by China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL). The basin is considered promising, supported by previous 2D seismic data.
The current survey, which uses 3D seismic technology, aims to generate more detailed and higher-resolution images of subsurface geology, enabling drilling decisions with greater confidence. Data processing and evaluation will take one to two months before being handed to the Directorate General of Oil and Gas for potential investment offers.
According to agency data, Indonesia has 128 identified sedimentary basins, but only 20 are producing hydrocarbons. The remaining 108 basins – many located in eastern Indonesia – are believed to hold significant potential despite higher geological risks, Edy said.
What is FTAGG and how does it help find oil and gas?
The Full Tensor Airborne Gravity Gradiometry (FT/AGG) method is a cutting-edge geophysical technique used to explore underground oil and gas deposits without drilling.
How it works
- Aircraft equipped with special sensors measure tiny variations in Earth's gravity field.
- These variations reveal differences in rock density below the surface.
- Oil and gas basins usually show distinctive density patterns that can be mapped from the air.
Why it's useful
- Works in remote or mountainous areas where ground surveys are limited.
- Covers large regions quickly, saving time and money compared to ground exploration.
- Produces high-resolution subsurface images required for investment decisions.
Why Indonesia is using it
- Many potential basins, especially in eastern Indonesia, remain unexplored.
- FT/AGG helps identify promising sites before expensive seismic surveys or drilling.
- The technology increases confidence for investors to enter high-risk frontier areas.