Petronas has confirmed a hydrocarbon discovery at the Barokah-1 exploration well in the North Ketapang PSC offshore East Java, marking another upstream result in a basin where the company continues to expand its position.
The company said the well result supports its view of the Northern Madura area as a prospective exploration zone. Ahmad Faisal Bakar, Vice President of Exploration at Petronas, said the discovery adds to the company’s understanding of the basin and supports efforts to advance opportunities that can contribute to East Java’s long-term energy landscape.
Barokah-1 was spudded on 30 November 2025 and drilled to a total true vertical depth subsea of 3,315.3 m. Petronas said further studies will be undertaken to assess the well data and evaluate development potential.
The North Ketapang PSC is operated by Petronas North Ketapang with a 51% participating interest. Earthon North Ketapang holds 34%, while PT. Pertamina Hulu Energi North Ketapang holds the remaining 15%.
The discovery comes as upstream activity continues across the region. In the nearby North Madura II PSC, the Hidayah Development Project reached final investment decision in October 2024 after an oil discovery made in 2021.
Beyond North Ketapang, Petronas operates the Ketapang, North Madura II and Serpang PSCs offshore East Java, along with the Bobara PSC offshore West Papua. The company also holds participating interests in six PSCs onshore and offshore across Sumatra, the Natuna Sea, East Java and East Indonesia.
