Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.

org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

Stratigraphic traps in the Tertiary rift basins of Indonesia:

case studies and future potential
CHRISTOPHER A T K I N S O N 1, M I C H A E L RENOLDS 1 & OSKAR HUTAPEA 2
1Serica Energy Corporation, Singapore (e-mail: [email protected])
2pT Medco Energi, Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract: Stratigraphic traps are often regarded as one of the most risky exploration
targets and are frequently the most difficult trap type to secure management support for
drilling. This is despite their frequent occurrence in many basins, in particular the mature
onshore basins of North America. The critical factors required for the development of
stratigraphic traps are the presence of a fully charged petroleum system, favourable basin
and reservoir architectures, low dips in the accumulation zone and good seal integrity.
These factors commonly occur in the Palaeogene rift basins of Indonesia and consequently,
since the early 1990s stratigraphic traps have often accounted for the majority of recently
discovered fields.
The Palaeogene rifts of Indonesia are prone to the stratigraphic trapping of hydro-
carbons simply because they possess an almost perfect petroleum system in which traps of
this type can form. Every rift has a similar history beginning with a syn-rift phase, which
primarily provides source rocks of various types as well as reservoir sandstones. This is
followed by a thermal sag phase ('early post-rift') where better quality reservoir sandstones
and sometimes reef carbonates are found. The ensuing transgressive phase ('late post rift')
guarantees a marine shale regional seal. This seal is most impressive at the Minas Field in
Central Sumatra where 6 billion barrels of oil are trapped at only 600 metres depth with
no surface oil seeps. The various late Tertiary 'orogenic' phases trigger migration of hydro-
carbons generally up the flanks of the rifts as well as creating structures at shallower levels.
Sometimes this structural activity is so intense that the regional seal is breached causing
hydrocarbons to migrate into these shallower structures where major accumulations have
been found. However, where the seal is not breached the hydrocarbons must still be
trapped below it on the flanks of the rift. The giant Widuri and Kaji Semoga fields are
perfect case history examples.
There is no doubt that in Indonesia the 'easy oil' has already been found in large 4-way
dip closures or classic Sunda Fold inversion structures. However, it is contended that there
is still a huge potential for finding large reserves in stratigraphic traps in basins with the
right characteristics. In this context, two largely unexplored basins within the Asahan
Offshore PSC, North Sumatra and the Biliton PSC, West Java are discussed. Both these
areas exhibit all the ingredients required for successful stratigraphic trap discoveries but
both remain at the present day undrilled for this play type.

It is c o m m o n knowledge that most exploration North Sea is an important exception to this rule.
prospects drilled in the international oil and gas Such traps are c o m m o n l y p u r s u e d in the
business consist of obvious features such as mature, onshore areas of the U n i t e d States and
folds, fault blocks, salt domes, well defined reefs Canada, but have b e e n avoided in international
or, in m o r e recent times, undisputed seismic exploration, in spite of the increasing maturity
anomalies with clear direct hydrocarbon indica- of some basins. Low cost, onshore drilling in the
tions ('DHI's'). A subtle trap is any less obvious safe political environment of North America has
trap which is more difficult to convince manage- u n d o u b t e d l y contributed significantly to this
ment or partners to drill, such as a stratigraphic situation. It is our opinion that there is huge
trap, unconformity trap, low relief structure, or remaining potential for finding stratigraphically
any trap involving a combination of structural t r a p p e d reserves of h y d r o c a r b o n s in most
and stratigraphic factors. To this day, without mature basins throughout the world however
support from DHI's, such traps appear nigh on this study concentrates on the Palaeogene rift
impossible to receive approval to drill, although basins of Indonesia where most of our collective
the recent Buzzard discovery in the Central experience has been gained.

From: ALLEN,M. R., GOFFEY,G. P., MORGAN,R. K. & WALKER,I. M. (eds) 2006. The Deliberate Searchfor the
Stratigraphic Trap. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 254,105-126.
0305-8719/$15.00. 9 The Geological Society of London 2006.
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

106 C. ATKINSON ETAL.

Exploration for stratigraphic traps

The exploration cycle
Many mature basins have had a similar past
exploration history which can be divided into
three phases:

Phase I: Drilling of surface anticlines

Phase II: Drilling of seismic prospects (2D &
3D defined)
Phase III: Drilling of subtle/stratigraphic traps
Fig. 2. Basin type location of discovered
(especially with 3D seismic)
hydrocarbons in the decade 1980-1990 (Amoco
Production Company, pers. comm.).
The relative importance of these phases
varies from basin to basin. Offshore areas had
no era of surface geological exploration, while
some complex fold belts were virtually seen to be attributed to the successful drilling of
completely delineated by surface work. A n subtler structural/stratigraphic and pure strati-
important point must be made regarding these graphic traps in basins with well defined petro-
phases - while field size tends to decrease from leum systems.
large to small during one phase, it usually The three cycles of exploration are clearly
increases when the next phase begins (Fig. 1). evident in most of the large onshore basins of
This is only natural, given the risks of the explo- North America. For example in the Powder
ration business. E x p l o r a t i o n programmes River Basin, in NE Wyoming, USA oil was first
following a certain play type start with the found in the late 1800s. The early prospects were
largest features and pursue progressively obvious surface structures known as 'sheep-
smaller targets. Companies tend to stick with a herder anticlines' because geologists located
proven play type until it is no longer economi- them simply by describing what they were
cally viable, at which point something new is looking for to the local sheepherders. Through
tried. 1930, the oil companies drilled progressively
Large quantities of oil and gas continue to be smaller features until no more viable prospects
found in mature basins. A n interesting study existed. Only one stratigraphic trap was found
completed by Amoco (pers. comm.) revealed during this period, in a channel sandstone reser-
that approximately 80% of the oil found world- voir, near to a surface oil seep. With the develop-
wide between 1980 and 1990 was in well under- ment of seismic techniques, the Powder River
stood, mature basins, rather than in the Basin saw a resurgence of activity. On the
on-trend, or frontier basins (Fig. 2). This was deformed flanks of the basin, many more struc-
tural traps were drilled with success whereas in
the central part of the basin seismic data
revealed only homoclinal dip and little drilling
was conducted. One more stratigraphic trap was
>
found on the flank of a structural prospect but
n by 1960 all the seismic structural anomalies
:> ~ Stratigraphlc Traps were drilled and the basin was largely dormant
t c ~
~ 3D
PHASESeismic
III & Geological once again. In 1967, Bell Creek, a large strati-
~ PHASEII ~ C. . . . pt
2D & 3D Seismic ~ graphically trapped oil field was found in the
h kStruct .... central portion of the basin. The field was found
O PHASE I ~ ~ ,
ZLI sU"~u s \ in an area of homoclinal dip by an operator with
N
the conviction to chase a stratigraphic concept.
By 1980, the entire central portion of the basin
was developed, with over 100 stratigraphic traps
discovered. Somewhat ironically, the Hartzog
~0 Draw Field, discovered in 1975, is a 250 million
TIME (YEARS)
barrel field which was found after nearly 100
Fig. 1. Phases of exploration within a typical mature years of exploration in the basin.
hydrocarbon bearing basin. Note the tendency for It is a common theme in the discovery of
discovery sizes within each phase to decrease through subtle or stratigraphic traps that many have
time until a new phase is adopted. been drilled by accident. In many cases
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

STRATIGRAPHIC TRAPS IN INDONESIA 107

prospects were drilled which would have been of the structural closures drilled worldwide are
economic if they resulted in a small discovery. not charged by hydrocarbons demonstrates that
However, when the discoveries were appraised source and migration should be considered a
and developed they resulted in larger than major concern. This approach to ranking gener-
expected fields, mainly due to important strati- ative basins on the basis of their charge or
graphic components in the trap set-up. If a 'petroleum system' was first devised by
strategy can be developed to maximize this Demaison (1984) and expanded upon by
upside potential, the drilling of subtle/strati- Demaison & Huizinga (1991). In Indonesia the
graphic traps becomes much easier to justify. recognition of a functioning petroleum system is
Also, the example of the Powder River Basin, key since migration distances from kitchen to
demonstrates that vast areas with high trap are always relatively short (<40 km). In
economic potential can be missed if one most mature basins, the source and migration
assumes that stratigraphic traps will be found as are fairly well understood risk elements.
accidental by-products while drilling for pure Reducing this risk to near to zero suggests that
structural closures. all trapping configurations in the migration path
Clearly, in order to find stratigraphic traps should be considered prospective. In summary,
you must pursue an exploration strategy which it should be remembered that the only differ-
believes that they will exist. ence between a prospect with known source and
a speculative trap, and a prospect with known
trap and a speculative source is that the latter
The petroleum system approach have historically been easier to sell to explo-
Many structurally defined prospects consist of a ration management.
very well documented closure with a speculative Figure 3 illustrates this phenomenon using
source. Historically in the exploration business the example of an idealized rift basin petroleum
these features have been fairly easy to get system (Magoon 1988). Note that depending
drilled because it is usually possible to devise a upon the mapped extent of the petroleum
plausible scenario of source and migration to system 4-way dip closures maybe dry whereas
justify the risk. The fact that a large proportion significant stratigraphic accumulations could

Prospect "A" (a Structure) will be a dry hole

Prospect "B" (a Stratigraphic Trap) will be a discovery
Prospect "C" (a Structure) will be a basement show or in
some cases a discovery
Fig. 3. Idealized rift basin petroleum system (after Magoon 1988). Note how structural traps outside the limit
of the petroleum system are not likely to be discoveries and yet stratigraphic pinchouts within it may well be.
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

108 C. ATKINSON ETAL.

Table 1. Recent subtle/stratigraphic traps discovered in Indonesia. M = metres, MMBO(E) = millions of barrels
of oil or oil equivalent

Company block First production Cycle III Trap type Comment

(cycle I or II) discoveries

Total 1972 SISI, NW PECIKO, Subtle structure, PECIKO (7+ TCF)

Mahakam NUMBI 1 9 9 2 hydrodynamic, largest gas field in
stratigraphic trap block

Maxus 1970 INTAN 1987 Subtle structure, WIDURI (500 MMBO)

SE Sumatra WIDURI 1 9 8 8 stratigraphic trap largest field in block

Conoco 1974 BELIDA 1989 Broad subtle structure, BELIDA (370

Natuna stratigraphic trap MMBOE) largest field
in block

Hudbay 1979 KURAU 1986 Very subtle structure KURAU (62 MMBOE)
Malacca Strait (8 ms rollover) largest field in block

Exspan 1900s KAJI-SEMOGA Stratigraphic trap KAJI-SEMOGA

South Sumatra 1996 (300 MMBOE) largest
field in block

exist. In the case of many of the recent major assess whether or not a stratigraphic trap should
h y d r o c a r b o n discoveries made in Indonesia be considered worthy of drilling.
virtually all are located in areas of proven In a worldwide survey of stratigraphic traps
source and look extremely unimpressive struc- the one common factor is that 80% occur in
turally on seismic data (see Table 1). areas with regional dips of 0.4 to 2.7 degrees. In
our independent review of several major strati-
graphic traps, the median dip was only 0.9
Critical factors f o r successful stratigraphic
degrees (Table 2). This is an extremely import-
trap exploration ant point. The reason for this limited range of
Mainly due to the reasons discussed above most dips is simple geometry. Seals in typical strati-
exploration managers still regard the strati- graphic traps are usually shales and siltsones.
graphic trap as a risky undertaking even when They are thus generally only capable of holding
defined on 3D seismic. The tight subsurface relatively small columns of hydrocarbons
control desired to locate the prospect, as seen in (<100 m). Many major stratigraphic traps have
North America, is usually absent, and without columns of 50 m or less. Outstanding traps may
the definition of 3D and in most cases the hold back columns of 300 m, but longer columns
support of DHI's most seismic data can still only usually require unconventional seals such as
approximate a location. evaporites, tar plugs, overpressured environ-
In an effort to reduce the risk on stratigraphic ments or regions with strong subsurface hydro-
traps one should first examine the factors which dynamic flows.
are considered critical to their success. It is our Figure 4 illustrates graphically the effect of
experience that these factors are as follows: dip on a stratigraphic accumulation. A seal
which can hold a 50 m oil column will trap an
9 Fully or overcharged petroleum system; accumulation 5.7 km wide in dips of 0.5 degrees.
9 Favourable basin and reservoir architec- This same seal will only trap an accumulation
ture promoting the development of discon- i km wide in 3 degrees of dip and 280 m wide in
tinuous clastic (paralic/deltaic) or 10 degrees of dip. Given this relationship, migra-
carbonate (reef) facies; tion can explain why most stratigraphic traps
9 Optimum dip angle in the accumulation occur between 0.4 and 2.7 degrees. In dips
zone of the trap; steeper than 2.7 degrees, buoyancy forces tend
9 Good top, base and lateral seals. to be greater than capillary forces given the
greater chance of thicker hydrocarbon columns
Of these factors we consider two; seal and and hydrocarbons tend to migrate through,
trap dip, to be relatively easy to risk and thus leaving non commercial shows ('residual
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

S T R A T I G R A P H I C TRAPS IN I N D O N E S I A 109

Table 2. Dip angle o f the trap in several major worldwide stratigraphic accumulations

Field Location Dip Column Reserves

Stanley USA Anadarko Basin 0.5 ~ 90 M 600 MBO

Pembina Canada W. Canada Foreland Basin 0.5 ~ 265 M 1900 MBO
Pecos Slope USA Permian Basin 0.7 ~ 275 M 750 BCFG
Rubiales Colombia Llanos Basin 0.8 ~ 100 M 400 MBO
Bell Creek USA Powder River Basin 0.8 ~ 90 M 150 MBO
East Texas USA East Texas Basin 0.9 ~ 335 M 6000 MBO
Widuri Indonesia Sunda Basin 0.9 ~ 50 M 400 MBO
Hartzog Draw USA Powder River Basin 1.1 ~ 35 M 250 MBO
Red Wash USA Uinta Basin 1.4 ~ 120 M 157 M B O E
Chicontepec Mexico Tampico Basin 2.3 ~ Multiple Pays 12 000 MBO
Glenrock USA Powder River Basin 2.7 ~ 300 M 80 MBO
Patrick Draw USA Green River Basin 3.6 ~ 275 M 60 MBO ?
Quiriquire Venezuela E. Venezuela Basin 4.0 ~ 610 M 900 M B O E
Cottonwood USA Big Horn Basin 9.6 ~ 1300 M 70 MBO ?
M = metres, M M B O ( E ) = millions o f barrels ofoil or oil equivalent, BCFG = billions o f cubic feet o f gas

h y d r o c a r b o n s ' ) t r a p p e d d o w n - d i p of t h e seals. When reviewing internally generated

I n f l a t t e r dips, g i v e n f a v o u r a b l e s t r a t i g r a p h y , p r o s p e c t s or f a r m - o u t p r o p o s a l s it is a p p a r e n t
m o s t h y d r o c a r b o n s are a l r e a d y t r a p p e d basin- t h a t m a n y s t r a t i g r a p h i c traps are m a p p e d w i t h
ward. Generally, h y d r o c a r b o n s n e e d a r e s e r v o i r dips at t h e t r a p level in t h e 5 - 1 0 d e g r e e s range.
dip s t e e p e r t h a n 0.4 d e g r e e s to d e v e l o p t h e U n l e s s s u p p o r t e d b y u n c o n v e n t i o n a l seal
b u o y a n c y f o r c e r e q u i r e d to m i g r a t e t h r o u g h t h e lithologies t h e n t h e a p p l i c a t i o n of t h e p r i n c i p l e
less p e r m e a b l e z o n e s w i t h i n t h e reservoirs. discussed above allows easy p r e l i m i n a r y

Fig. 4. Effect of trap dip On the extent of a stratigraphic accumulation with a 50 m hydrocarbon column height.
M = metres, KM = kilometres.
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

110 C. ATKINSON E T A L .

screening of these prospects out of the explo- (Fig. 5). It can be seen from this example that the
ration portfolio. best sealing capacities occur in the more marine
Seal extent and capacity, together known as influenced shales ('delta front shales') and
'seal integrity', are a key aspect to be considered carbonates. This is purely a result of grain size
in the exploration for viable stratigraphic traps. (delta front shales are true claystones rather than
Without an effective top, side and bottom seal siltstones) and cementation (presence of carbon-
the chances of having stratigraphically trapped ate cements occludes porosity). Although both
hydrocarbons are very rare. This can be illus- seal lithologies are often very extensive the
trated by way of an example from the Ardjuna tendency for the carbonate facies to undergo
basin which is a Palaeogene rift basin located in brittle fracturing upon deformation reduces
the offshore NW Java area of Indonesia (Kaldi their true seal integrity. Consequently, it is the
& Atkinson 1997; Noble et al. 1997). In this extensive, marine shales which define the best
example a series of potential sealing lithologies seals within the Arjuna basin and virtually all
within the late syn-rift/early post-rift Talang other Palaeogene rift basins in Indonesia.
A k a r Formation were sampled and mercury Once again, when risking any presented
injection capillarity analyses conducted to stratigraphic trap prospect it is our experience
measure their actual sealing capacity (Fig. 5). In that most require favourable sealing lithologies
addition, the thickness and lateral extents of the often with a link to a particular environment of
various seal types were either measured from deposition (e.g. marine shales, tuffaceous
borehole and seismic data or quantified accord- shales) and without such evidence they should
ing to comparisons to known outcrop analogues be regarded as much higher risk.

Fig. 5. Measured hydrocarbon column heights and sealing capacities of Talang Akar Formation seal facies,
Ardjuna Basin, offshore Java, Indonesia. Note preferential enrichment of non-indigenous hydrocarbons in the
poorer quality delta plain shale seal lithologies implying that these seals often leak above reservoirs. From
Noble et al. 1997.
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

STRATIGRAPHIC TRAPS IN INDONESIA 111

Strategy for stratigraphic exploration in be filled by coarse grained clastics and barren of
the Palaeogene rifts of Indonesia source rock.
When rifts and source have been established,
Exploration in the Palaeogene rifts of Indonesia migration paths need to be considered. Maturity
historically has had a structural bias - explo- in most Indonesian Palaeogene rifts is usually
ration consisted of drilling structures in order of reached at a depth of around 2500-2750 m or
descending size. As a better understanding of between 2.0-3.0 seconds two-way travel-time
the regional geology was achieved, operators depending on heat flow. Migration tends to be
started preferentially to drill certain types of late, bed parallel, and less than 40 km in distance
structure~ i.e. drapes rather than 'Sunda fold' from the kitchen area. Hydrocarbons tend to
inversions. Despite a steady supply of drillable migrate away from the main bounding fault of
structural traps most wildcats in or close to the the rift, up the ramp of the hanging wall block
Palaeogene rift basins of Indonesia in the last into traps located on the shallow dipping rift
ten years have either been dry or discovered margins.
only limited reserves. This is not to say that The extent of potential reservoirs can be
discoveries have not been made in these basins found by identifying the early Miocene marine
because they have and the majority have been shale. This shale forms the most important
made in subtle/stratigraphic traps often many regional seal throughout the western half of
years after exploration first commenced (see Indonesia (Fig. 8). Most hydrocarbons are
Table 1). trapped in the reservoirs below these shales e.g.
The reason why the Palaeogene rifts continue Talang Akar Formation and Batu Raja Forma-
to be successful exploration areas is largely tions of South Sumatra and West Java; the
because of their world class petroleum systems Sihapas Formation of Central Sumatra. If this
and the presence of excellent quality source marine shale rests on basement, the prospect
rocks (Fig. 6). Unlike the cratonic basins of invariably lacks reservoir unless favourable
North America, the source kitchens in the lithologies exist in the basement e.g. weathered
Palaeogene rifts of Indonesia are localized in granites of the Palembang basin, South
the rift deeps, and migration distances to Sumatra; the Permo-Triassic Ratburi Limestone
successful traps tend to be less than 40 km. For of North Sumatra and Thailand.
this reason, our experience advocates an explo- Thus if any type of trap can be identified in
ration strategy based on charge and distance the migration path from a rift, down-dip of
within the rifts and not necessarily the presence where the early Miocene shale rests on
of drillable structures. basement, the area has merit (see Fig. 8). Strati-
In evaluating any area of western Indonesia, graphic traps are likely in this area, although it
the first step is to locate the Palaeogene rifts. is important to bear in mind the requirement for
Often they are obvious, but on old vintage low trap dip as discussed previously.
seismic data or under difficult seismic It is our conviction that by adopting this
conditions, they may have to be inferred. Rifts recipe in the exploration of the Palaeogene rift
can be inferred by locating the prominent basins of Indonesia that the risks associated
seismic marker of the first marine sediments in with drilling stratigraphic plays will be greatly
the post rift lower Miocene succession (Figs 6 reduced.
& 7a). Frequently this marine unit is marked by
a high amplitude event representing transgres-
Case studies and undrilled potential
sive carbonates such as the Batu Raja Lime-
stone or equivalents in Sumatra and Java. If a In Indonesia a similar pattern of the explo-
deep rift exists below the Miocene marker, the ration cycle discussed above is starting to
marker will never be flat on seismic data. It will emerge. In the late 1890s through 1930s early
either sag due to differential compaction or exploration efforts found most of the significant
bow up due to later structural inversion. onshore structures in Sumatra, Java and Kali-
Frequently, the relative depths to crystalline mantan using surface mapping techniques often
basement can be estimated by the amount of linked to the presence of active oil seeps. Later,
sag or inversion. from the 1930s onwards, seismic surveys revital-
Once the rifts are located it may be possible ized the industry with the discovery of offshore
to directly detect source facies on seismic. Some fields as well as additional onshore fields,
of the major source rocks of the rifts, such as including the giant Minas field (6 billion
lacustrine shales or coals, stand out as parallel, barrels) of onshore Central Sumatra. In more
high amplitude, low frequency reflections (Fig. recent times many basins have had a resurgence
7b). Rifts with divergent, weak reflections may in exploration fueled by the discovery of
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

112 C. A T K I N S O N E T A L .
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

STRATIGRAPHIC TRAPS IN INDONESIA 113

stratigraphically trapped h y d r o c a r b o n s (see follows the dip of the strata to the NW up the
Table 1). More importantly, these discoveries hanging wall of the rift. Oil has migrated from
often comprise the largest field on the block steep dips in the deeper part of the Asri rift to
and were made 15-20 years after exploration dips of less than 1 degree in younger strata on
first commenced. Clearly, the exploration for the flank of the basin (Fig. 10). Over five
subtle/stratigraphic traps can still be successful hundred million barrels are trapped in this area
in Indonesia if risk is correctly addressed and a of low dip, some in minor fault closures, but
focused approach adopted. In order to illus- most in the stratigraphic and combination trap
trate this concept two case studies and two of the giant Widuri Field. Together the Intan-
areas of currently unexplored potential will be Widuri complex represents the second largest
discussed. discovery made in the block some 20 years after
it was first explored (Wight et al. 1997; Carter
2003).
Case study: Widuri Field, Asri basin,
offshore Sumatra
Case study: Ka]i Semoga, Rimau Block,
The Widuri Field of the Asri basin, offshore
onshore south Sumatra
South Sumatra (Fig. 9) was discovered in 1988
after the drilling of ten completely dry holes in The Kaji Semoga field lies in the Rimau Block
the basin (Wight et al. 1997). The Asri basin was of south Sumatra (Fig. 11) and it represents a
regarded as lacking source rocks, was too classic case of major company 'tunnel vision'.
shallow for generation, had a low geothermal Standard Vacuum Oil C o m p a n y ('Stanvac'),
gradient and had no more structures to drill. On which was a survivor of the Standard Oil empire
this basis one of the largest multinational oil and a combination of two oil majors, Mobil and
companies in the world exited the block just Exxon, held large tracts of acreage in south
before the drilling of the Intan-1 well in late Sumatra for some 30 years, from 1963 to 1995.
1987. This well targeted one of the last remain- The company had, what turned out to be the
ing structural closures in the block, a small, fault Kaji Semoga 'prospect' on their books with a
dependent basement bump at the up-dip basin 2% chance of finding 3 million barrels of oil in
margin. As documented by Wight et al. (1997) a structural trap above a small basement closure
this well was only drilled by the dogged persist- (Fig. 12). No thought was given to the strati-
ence of a single explorationist who had just been graphic potential of the well established Batu
responsible for the drilling of several of the Raja reef play. In December 1995 PT Exspan
previous ten dry holes! The well encountered a Nusantara (a forerunner of PT Medco Energi)
23 m oil column in the Talang Akar Formation a new startup I n d o n e s i a n exploration and
and led to the drilling of the Widuri-1 well in p r o d u c t i o n c o m p a n y purchased the Stanvac
1988 on a much smaller faulted basement struc- entity. In January 1996 the Exspan management
ture. This well was also a success but even more approved the drilling of three separate
so since it confirmed the presence of a major prospects in the block: Kaji, Semoga and
stratigraphic component to the Talang Akar trap Sembada (Hutapea 1998). This decision was
whereby the deltaic sandstones shaled out to the based purely upon a financial argument that
NW (Fig. 10). Interestingly, the Saleha-1 dry since all three prospects were quite shallow the
hole (part of the original ten well programme) cost of drilling each one was low and was
was drilled down-dip of the later Intan dis- roughly equivalent to the drilling of a single
covery and the well is unique in that it contained deep well further out into the basin. Further-
no Talang A k a r sandstones but now occurs more, because they were a low cost operator it
within the extent of the Widuri trap (Wight et aL was felt that even though the reserve targets in
1997). In hindsight, it represents the up-dip each prospect were small they would still be
shaley seal to the Widuri accumulation. able to u n d e r t a k e the d e v e l o p m e n t of the
Reference to Figure 10 reveals that it is now proposed small reserves on a cost effective basis
easy to distinguish on seismic the low velocity (Hutapea 1998). Consequently, the wells were
lacustrine source rock in the deepest portion of approved for drilling which commenced in June
the depression. Migration from this source 1996. The Semoga 1 well was drilled first and

Fig. 6. Idealized cross-sectional model of an Indonesian Palaeogene rift basin. The geological history of the
basin fill involving a transition from restricted, non-marine lacustrine environments (source) to more extensive
paralic/deltaic to marine environments (reservoir) promotes the development of an excellent petroleum
system.
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

114 C. ATKINSON E T A L .
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

STRATIGRAPHIC TRAPS IN INDONESIA 115

Fig. 8. Hydrocarbon accumulation model for a typical Indonesian Palaeogene rift basin. Locations on the
shallower dipping, hanging wall margin are often the sites for the presence of subtle/stratigraphic traps.

encountered just 2 metres of Batu Raja Forma- Unexplored potential." Asahan Offshore,
tion pay which tested at 3 million cubic feet of North Sumatra
gas per day and 9 barrels of oil per day. Unper-
turbed by this and because Exspan had already The A s a h a n Offshore P r o d u c t i o n Sharing
decided to drill the next well irrespective of the Contract (PSC) lies in the North Sumatra basin
outcome of the first, the Kaji 1 well was drilled (Fig. 15). This basin which covers an area of
in July 1996. Luck changed and they encoun- 56 000 km 2 is one of Indonesia's most prolific
tered 37 m of high porosity reefal pay in the petroleum provinces with in-place reserves in
Batu Raja Formation which tested at 525 barrels excess of 25 trillion cubic feet of gas and i billion
of oil per day. Finally, the Sebada-1 well was barrels of oil. The basin comprises a number of
drilled in August 1996. This well encountered sub-basins separated by intervening basement
33 m of Batu Raja Formation pay which tested highs which together represent a series of
at 1130 barrels of oil per day. U p o n drilling of n o r t h - s o u t h trending Palaeogene rifts. In
the three wells it became apparent that what contrast to the remainder of Sumatra, the North
they had encountered was not a series of small Sumatra Basin is relatively lightly drilled,
structural oil pools but a significant partial especially offshore where less than 50 explo-
stratigraphic trap off the flanks of the basement ration wells have been drilled since 1970.
high (Figs 13 & 14). Total oil column height in The Asahan Offshore PSC lies in the south-
the field is around 80 m and the areal extent of eastern part of the North Sumatra basin, in water
the field is currently some 15 km 2 (Hutapea depths less than 50 m (Fig. 15). The PSC includes
2002). The field is currently producing around parts of the n o r t h - s o u t h trending Pakol and
10 000 barrels of oil/day and has reserves of Glagah sub-basins, Pakol and Glagah Horsts and
around 250-300 million barrels. the western flank of the Asahan Arch.

Fig. 7. Seismic expression and recognition of typical Indonesian Palaeogene rift basins. (a) sag in post-rift
section (Oligo-Miocene), Biliton basin, refer to Figures 17 and 18 for line location; (b) basin centre, onlapping,
low frequency reflectors as indicators of source rocks, North Seribu Trough, offshore Java (from Pramono et al.
1990).
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

116 C. ATKINSON ETAL.

Fig. 9. Location of the Widuri Field, Asri basin, offshore South Sumatra (from Carter 2003). Location of
seismic line illustrated in Figure 10 indicated.

Exploration to date has proved the existence accumulation could exist at the pinchout of
of a working petroleum system. A dense grid of these syn-rift clastics.
existing 2D seismic defines excellent Palaeo- Although there are undoubtedly remaining
gene rift basin geometries and the Glagah-1 well subtle structural traps remaining in the PSC,
drilled in 1985 proved that this large, deep rift is there is huge potential for finding stratigraphi-
an active source kitchen with a good charge cally trapped reserves in the block. The key
(Fig. 15). Hydrocarbons have migrated up the ingredients which have been discussed earlier
hanging wall ramp of the rift from this kitchen are clearly present; deep overcharged rift,
and some have managed to migrate to the obvious sag, working kitchen, shallow dips and
basement high at Glagah, where insufficient a migration distance of less than 40 km.
reservoir is present for a commercial accumu-
lation despite flowing oil at rates in excess of
2000 barrels per day. The seismic line shown in Unexplored potentiak Biliton PSC, West
Figure 16 shows that the present day structure
is still that of an undisturbed half-graben rift
Java Sea
very reminiscent to the Asri basin in the Widuri The Biliton Basin is an example of one of
case study (compare to Fig. 10). Indonesia's true unexplored Palaeogene rift
On the basis of the Palaeogene rift model basins. It represents one of a series of Palaeo-
discussed earlier better reservoirs should be gene basins (Palembang, Sunda, North Seribu,
present down-dip from the Glagah-1 well (Fig. Asri, Ardjuna, Zaitun, Vera, etc.) located on the
15). Syn-rift clastic sediments can be recognized SE margin of the Sunda craton that originated
on seismic data down-dip of the Glagah well, during a major Eocene-Oligocene period of
pinching out between the early Miocene, post- extension and later Miocene sag. The prolific oil
rift transgressive deposits and the basement. producing basins of Ardjuna, Sunda and Asri lie
These reservoir rocks are on the migration path approximately 200 km to the SW and west
from the rift to the Glagah location. Adopting (Fig. 16).
the concepts developed in this paper there Overall the depression forming the Biliton
appears to be a very good chance that an basin extends for over 60 000 km 2 with an
Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

S T R A T I G R A P H I C TRAPS IN I N D O N E S I A 117

.=.

O~ t"q
0

e:mo

=~
~ 0

o 0

0,-~

. ,...~ ~

~,....
,-~.~

m ~

o o

0
9 ,..-i
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

118 C. ATKINSON E T A L .

Fig. 11. Location of the Kaji Semoga Field, Palembang Basin, onshore South Sumatra.

Fig. 12. Pre-drill structure map of top Batu Raja Formation illustrating presence of three, small, independent
Kaji, Semoga and Sembada closures. Contour interval = 100 ft (33 m).
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

STRATIGRAPHIC TRAPS IN INDONESIA 119

Fig. 13. Current structure map of top Batu Raja Formation revealing the presence of two separate
hydrocarbon accumulations defined by two independent oil:water contacts. Location of seismic line 1588-90
seen in Figure 14 is indicated.

average water depth of 40 m. The current indicated the presence of migrated hydro-
Biliton PSC lies within this depression and carbons (Thompson et al. 1991). The sea-bed
occupies an area of approximately 6500 km 2 recovered hydrocarbons were typed geochemi-
(Fig. 17). Recently acquired high resolution 2D cally to lacustrine source rocks rich in algal
seismic data reveals the presence of two, largely material similar to those in the nearby Asri and
north-south oriented, Palaeogene rift basins Sunda basins.
(Fig. 18). The dominant one lies in the west The newly acquired 2D seismic is very reveal-
adjacent to the Parang G-1 well and trends ing. Whereas on the old data where basement
approximately north-south to NE-SW. The definition was poor the new data is of excellent
other has a similar trend but lies approximately quality and clearly indicates a good basement
50 km to the east. The western rift is of similar reflector and, more importantly, the presence of
size (approximately 400 km 2) and orientation as onlapping, low frequency events in the deeper
the nearby Asri basin. Seismic indicates more parts of the western rift (see Fig. 7a). Up-dip to
than 2.5 seconds two-way time of sedimentary the east, away from the kitchen, the gentle dip
section in the main western rift representing a at basement level sets not only the correct
likely depth to basement in excess of 3900 m configurations for stratigraphic trapping but
(Fig. 18). also the chances for fault enhanced, low relief
Formerly Amoco and then later BP evaluated structures. Despite the new 2D seismic data
the current area of the PSC. BP in 1991 did not being largely a reconnaissance survey all the
take up the opportunity of converting the area basic ingredients for a classic rift play in an
into a PSC and exited despite the results of their unexplored basin exist and the close similarity
Airborne Laser Fluorescence (ALF) survey to the prolific oil producing Asri basin is
and subsequent seabed coring program which remarkable (compare Figs 18 & 10).
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

120 C. ATKINSON E T A L .

Fig. 14. West to east seismic line 1588-90 across the Kaji-Semoga Field. (a) uninterpreted and with original
interpretation, (b) same line datumized within Gumai Formation and with current interpretation. Location of
line indicated on Figure 13.
Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

S T R A T I G R A P H I C TRAPS IN I N D O N E S I A 121
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

122 C. ATKINSON E T A L .

Fig. 15. Location of the Asahan Offshore PSC, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Location of seismic line 81-1114
seen in Figure 16 is indicated.

Fig. 16. West-east seismic line (annotated) across the Asahan Offshore PSC from the Pakol High to the
Glagah-1 discovery well. Location of line indicated on Figure 15. bcpd = barrels of condensate per day, Mcf/d =
millions of cubic feet per day of gas.
Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

S T R A T I G R A P H I C TRAPS IN I N D O N E S I A 123
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

124 C. ATKINSON E T A L .

110o00, E l r ~ . 9 t i I r ~ JrS,l 9 KALIMANTAN ~"

~ IIALI~ANTA~ II ~ ~2~. ~ "

,.,, .

~.~..'2-d~"J JUSNI BASIN V ~_,~,,~ _ - - ~ ," "

, ) ~ . ~ " (Cretaceous half graben)

~" ~ /"1
/ 2 usni-~ ,,. ..-- ~ . ~
I
~Tertia__
~.. -~- ./ss/ "~~x~<~ nI
s " , " "'.,~" Seismic line, Fig. 7a.

; ' . ~ / Q a s ; a ~ - l V ~ ~l ~

,, 9 $Sari;1 . . . . ~ ,," ~ O 3 ~"

I
' ~.
' I BILITON '~ /" N
VERA / ZAITUN
ARJUNA
PLATEAU
% SUB-BASINS

'r
I
~," "
s
I
.L
~'
/*
J '

.....
LEGEND

BASIN LIMITS (TERTIARY)

11 / (= lsec ISOCHRON)
-- .,...~ ,~ ~ I
! - "- OUTLIER LIMITS (MESOZOIC)
~, I I
I K etimundjawa~ ~ SHALLOW BASEMENT (ONSHOREI
t _
ARJUNA BASINS ~,.. ,, .... "" / '(~ ~ BASIN DEPOCENTRE

-06 ~ '~. ",,.,. - . ~ . ~ PALAEOGENE RIFTS

" " "", "~176176176 ~ ? ,00,m,

Fig. 17. Location of the Biliton PSC, west Java Sea, Indonesia. Location of seismic line seen in Figure 7a
illustrated.

Conclusions date has shown that these rifts contain a

unique geological make up which favours
(1) Subtle or stratigraphic traps are generally the existence of a charge dominated petro-
discovered in mature basins at the late leum system. It can be demonstrated in
stage of the exploration cycle. many rifts that the early Miocene transgres-
(2) Historically subtle or stratigraphic traps sive system has sealed the generated hydro-
have been difficult to get drilled because carbons within a relatively small area either
they are perceived as being high risk. within the rift or within 40 km of its centre.
(3) It is suggested that subtle or stratigraphic Prior exploration has focused generally on
traps should be abundant in fully to over- structures near these source kitchens,
charged petroleum systems with favourable particularly the large structures formed
basin/reservoir architecture, low dips at the during later Miocene and Plio-Pleistocene
trap level (>0.5 but <3 degrees) and the inversion. Many rifts, however, remained
presence of effective top, base and lateral tectonically quiescent during these periods
seals. of later tectonism and the present day
(4) The above factors epitomize the Palaeo- structure is still that of an undisturbed half-
gene rift basins of Indonesia. Consequently graben. The lack of structures has no
subtle/stratigraphic traps commonly exist bearing whatsoever on whether or not
where they have represented some of hydrocarbons were generated. Hydro-
the largest hydrocarbon accumulations carbons generated in an undeformed rift
discovered in recent time. Exploration to will still migrate up-dip along the ramp of
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

STRATIGRAPHIC TRAPS IN INDONESIA 125

Fig. 18. Map of top Basement within the Biliton PSC based upon the new 2D seismic grid. Note the presence
of two north-south trending Palaeogene rifts and the location of the area of pronounced onlapping reflectors
seen in Figure 7a which lies within the basement embayment updip of the western rift depocentre.

the hanging wall block until they reach the The authors would like to thank D. Carter, H. Rashid
effective seals within the early Miocene and A. Wong for help in the production of this paper.
transgressive deposits where they become We would also like to acknowledge the supporting
trapped in subtle structures or in gently roles of Serica Energy Corporation and PT Medco
Energi and finally the permission of Minyak dan Gas
dipping stratigraphic pinchouts.
Bumi (MIGAS) and Badan Pelaksana Kegiatan
(5) By comparison to existing case studies it is Usaha Hulu Minyak dan Gas Bumi (BPMIGAS) to
considered that there are m a n y Palaeogene publish the material presented.
rift basins in Indonesia which contain excel-
lent stratigraphic trap potential but which
remain to date totally unexplored for this References
type of play.
(6) The role of serendipity in the discovery of CARTER, D. 2003. 3-D Seismic geomorphology:
Insights into fluvial reservoir deposition and
major stratigraphic traps can never be
performance, Widuri field, Java Sea. American
underestimated. However, there are many Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 87,
cases where stratigraphic traps have been 909-934.
intentionally drilled from the outset by a DEMAISON,G. 1984. The Generative Basin Concept.
determined operator and been successful. In: DEMAISON,G. & MURRIS,R.J. (eds) Petroleum
The key for any explorationist to have any geochemistry and basin analysis. The American
prospect drilled is a combination of the Association of Petroleum Geologists, Tulsa,
merits of potential reward versus perceived Oklahoma, Memoir 35, 1-14.
risk. Therefore, unless a clear strategy DEMAISON, G. & HUIZINGA,B. 1991. Genetic Classifi-
cation of Petroleum Systems. American Associ-
involving risk reduction is developed to
ation of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 75,
explore for stratigraphic traps they will 1626-1643.
remain undrilled despite the fact that in HUTAPEA, O. 1998. The Semoga-Kaji discoveries:
some basins they r e m a i n the last true Large Stratigraphic Batu Raja oil fields in
opportunity for significant reserve addition. South Sumatra. Proceedings of the Indonesian
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at University of St Andrews on December 6, 2014

126 C. ATKINSON E T A L .

Petroleum Association Annual Convention, May leum System. American Association of Petroleum
1998, 313-326. Geologists, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Memoir 67, 13-29.
HUTAPEA,O. 2002. What makes Karl Semoga Field so PRAMONO, H., Wu, C. & NOBLE, R. 1990. A new oil
big? Giant Field and New Exploration Concepts kitchen and petroleum bearing sub-basin in the
Seminar, Indonesian Association of Petroleum offshore northwest Java area. Proceedings of the
Geologists One Day Seminar, Abstract. Indonesian Petroleum Association, Annual
KALDI, J. & ATKINSON, C. 1997. Evaluation of seal Convention October 1990, 253-278.
potential: Example from the Talang Akar Forma- THOMPSON, M., REMINGTON, C., PURMONO, J. &
tion, offshore northwest Java, Indonesia. In: MACGREGOR,D. 1991. Detection of liquid hydro-
SURDAM,R.C. (ed.) Seals, traps and the Petroleum carbon seepage in Indonesian Offshore Frontier
System. American Association of Petroleum basins using ALF. Proceedings of the Indonesian
Geologists, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Memoir 67, 85-101. Petroleum Association, Annual Convention
MAGOON, L.B. 1988. The Petroleum System - A October 1991, 663-689.
Classification Scheme for Research, Exploration, WIGHT, A., FRIESTAD, H., ANDERSON,J., WICAKSONO,
and Resource Assessment. In: MAGOON, L.B. P. & REMINGTON,C.H. 1997. Exploration History
(ed.) Petroleum Systems of the United States. U.S. of the offshore Southeast Sumatra PSC, Java Sea,
Geological Survey Bulletin, 1870, 2-15. Indonesia. In: FRASER, A.J., MATTHEWS, S.J. &
NOBLE, R., KALDI,J. & ATKINSON,C. 1997. Oil Satu- MURPHY, R.W. (eds) Petroleum Geology of
ration in Shales: Applications in Seal Evaluation. Southeast Asia. Geological Society, London,
In: SURDAM,R.C. (ed.) Seals, traps and the Petro- Special Publications, 126, 121-142.