Coordinator of the Expert Team Prof. Dr. Ketut Buda Artana ST MSc when presenting the draft of the National Strategic Project (PSN) for the Gendalo Gandang Deep Sea Gas Field

ITS Campus, ITS News — Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has once again been entrusted by the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas) to support national energy security. The collaboration, marked by a kickoff meeting at the ITS Rectorate Building on Friday (11/22), involved ITS as a strategic partner in reviewing the technical Front End Engineering Design (FEED) for the Gendalo Gandang Deep Sea Gas Field National Strategic Project (PSN).

The project includes two main gas fields, Gendalo and Gandang, located at a water depth of 1,060 to 1,820 meters. The Gandang field was first discovered in 1999 through the Gandang-1 well, followed by the discovery of the Gendalo field in 2000 through the Gendalo-1 well. Until finally it was designated as a PSN based on the Regulation of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Number 6 of 2024.

The deepwater gas field located in the Makassar Strait, off the coast of East Kalimantan, is designed to produce up to 510 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMscfd). Not only that, this gas will be processed through the Jangkrik Floating Production Unit (FPU) facility which is channeled to Bontang, with a target operation scheduled for the end of 2027 to support the fulfillment of national energy needs sustainably.

Deputy for Exploitation of SKK Migas Wahju Wibowo Djasmari (right) in his remarks at the kickoff meeting of the strategic project at the ITS Rectorate Building

In his remarks, Deputy for Exploitation of SKK Migas Wahju Wibowo Djasmari explained that collaboration, which also invited Italian Oil and Gas Giant ENI and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), was a link and match step in line with SKK Migas’ vision to become a Center of Excellence. “This collaboration not only supports project acceleration, but also serves as a means of transferring knowledge and technology, while strengthening the national technology ecosystem,” he said.

SKK Migas involved around 25 academics to provide technical expertise support through experts who act as Subject Matter Experts (SME). Each individual has competence in various fields, including subsea facilities, pipeline flowlines, process safety, geotechnics, and automation. “They are tasked with conducting technical reviews, safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations,” added the ITB alumnus.

ITS Chancellor Prof. Ir. Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD, who was also present at the kickoff meeting, also emphasized that ITS’ involvement is an important part in ensuring the sustainability of PSN in accordance with the principles of good governance. Especially in improving national technological capabilities through the establishment of deep-sea technology that supports local products, as well as compliance with Domestic Component Level (TKDN) regulations.

ITS Chancellor Prof Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD (center) also attended to provide appreciation and responses at the press conference kick off meeting for the deep sea gas project in the Makassar Strait, East Kalimantan.

The entire ITS academic community believes that the synergy between academics, government, and industry as reflected in this project is the key to creating sustainable solutions to Indonesia’s energy challenges. “ITS will continue to support similar initiatives to strengthen Indonesia’s position as an independent and globally competitive country,” said the professor of the ITS Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Opening the discussion of the PSN project, the Coordinator of the Expert Team, Prof. Dr. Ketut Buda Artana ST MSc, said that this project is more than just technical support, but also a strategic means of building national competence. The establishment of deep-sea technology planned by SKK Migas aims to enable Indonesia to create a multiplier effect, both in human resource development and the application of advanced technology.

The technical review, which is planned to be completed within two months, is also considered an important step in technology transfer. With direct guidance from ENI, the professor of the ITS Department of Marine Engineering said that students and lecturers will gain technical insight with international standards. “This momentum is very important to build a generation of competent experts who are ready to compete in the global oil and gas industry,” added Ketut.

ITS leadership together with SKK Migas leadership and representatives of the Italian oil and gas company ENI

From the kickoff meeting of the Gendalo Gandang Project, it is expected to act as the main platform for technology transfer from ENI to universities in Indonesia, while strengthening the relationship between industry and academia. This collaboration also provides an opportunity for students and lecturers to not only gain technical knowledge, but also experience in managing large projects with international standards.

With close collaboration, this project with an investment of Rp 60.4 trillion is expected to be an example of a productive partnership across institutions. Moreover, it is also targeted to encourage national energy self-sufficiency and strengthen Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global oil and gas market, accelerate the development of local human resource capacity, and support the fulfillment of energy needs in a sustainable manner. (ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Reporter: Fauzan Fakhrizal Azmi