Southeast Asia boasts numerous sedimentary basins with a long and rich exploration history, some that span more than a century. While these mature basins continue to yield hydrocarbons, their production rates are undeniably in decline. Consequently, geoscientists increasingly focus their efforts on frontier areas, often characterized by their remote locations and greater water depths, in the quest for new potential.
However, an alternative perspective suggests that the remaining hydrocarbon potential within these established basins might not be fully exhausted. There’s a belief that past exploration could have been overly focused on shallower Neogene intervals, potentially overlooking significant resources at greater depths. The deeper Paleogene section, for instance, might hold substantial untapped potential, obscured by challenges such as poorer seismic imaging, limited well data and a less comprehensive understanding of its geological complexities. Therefore, a renewed focus on these deeper horizons within mature basins could unlock significant new hydrocarbon resources.
Recognizing the necessity to explore deeper hydrocarbon potential, geoscientists convened for a focused discussion. This initiative culminated in a two-day seminar titled “The Paleogene of Southeast Asia: Unlocking the Potential,” held on April 23-24 at the University of Pertamina in Jakarta, Indonesia.
AAPG, as part of the Organizing Committee, was represented by AAPG Vice President of Regions Sa’id Al- Hajri, who delivered the opening address. Led by Budi Permana, the Committee assembled a comprehensive program featuring presentations on the biostratigraphy of various basins’ Paleogene sections, establishing a foundational stratigraphic understanding. These included insights into Paleogene palynology, nannofossils and both micro- and macroforaminifera. Notably, J. T. van Gorsel presented a historical overview of Paleogene studies within the region.
Several presentations delved into regional geology, with a specific focus on enhancing the understanding of the Paleogene section. Peter Lunt, for example, talked about the Sarawak region and also explored its geological connections to other areas. He highlighted that the region requires further investigation and underscored the importance of revisiting existing biostratigraphic reports.
Epo Kusumah, the general secretary of the Indonesian Sedimentologists Forum (FOSI), announced a registration of 129 participants for the Symposium, which also marked FOSI’s 30th anniversary. As a faculty member, he successfully secured sponsorship for the venue from the University of Pertamina. The AAPG Student Chapter members of the university played a crucial role in ensuring the Symposium’s success.
At the symposium’s conclusion, participants were invited to provide feedback by placing stickers on a whiteboard. The overwhelming response indicated that attendees benefited significantly from the presentations and were encouraged to reexamine existing data with a renewed focus on the Paleogene interval. A clear consensus emerged among the audience: further investigation into deeper stratigraphic sections holds considerable potential for new discoveries. The organizers and participants alike expressed hope that this Symposium would serve as a catalyst for continued and more in-depth discussions among geoscientists regarding the Paleogene potential of Southeast Asia.