Publications

The exploration for hydrocarbons was initiated in East Kalimantan as early as 1895. Although many geological and geophysical teams worked in this area for more than 70 years, the Handil oil field located under the Mahakam delta escaped detection. It was only in Sept. 1973 that a modern quality seismic survey was run over the delta area and discovered the anticline feature of Handil. The first well was drilled in March-April 1974: it indicated a considerable thickness of hydrocarbon bearing sands that 9 wells to date have better defined. The report given here is the work of a team of cxplorationists all of which in truth should be cited as co-authors of this paper: we thank all for their efforts and especially Messrs. Berthon. Elie, Gerard, Cramez, Lavieuville, Ledeuil, Oesterle, Roux and Bourdaire. We also thank Pertamina for their permission to present these data. Total Indonesie and Japex Indonesie gave their support in the preparation of this report.