IPTC 10094
Complex Stratigraphic and Structural Evolution of Jabung Subbasin and Its
Hydrocarbon Accumulation: Case Study From Lower Talang Akar Reservoir,
South Sumatra Basin, Indonesia
I.N. Suta and L. Xiaoguang, SPE, PetroChina
Copyright 2005, International Petroleum Technology Conference
This paper was prepared for presentation at the International Petroleum Technology
Conference held in Doha, Qatar, 21–23 November 2005.
This paper was selected for presentation by an IPTC Programme Committee following review
of information contained in an proposal submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as
presented, have not been reviewed by the International Petroleum Technology Conference
and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily
reflect any position of the International Petroleum Technology Conference, its officers, or
members. Papers presented at IPTC are subject to publication review by Sponsor Society
Committees of IPTC. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper
for commercial purposes without the written consent of the International Petroleum Technology
Conference is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not
more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous
acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper was presented. Write Librarian, IPTC, P.O.
Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.
Abstract
Combined stratigraphic and structural traps of Lower
Talang Akar Formation (LTAF) syn-rift deposits create a
typical play type in South Sumatra Basin, Indonesia.
Three field examples from Jabung Block show pop-up
features caused by Plio-Pleistocene tectonics inverting
the pre-existing structures. This phenomenon creates
the major hydrocarbon traps in the Jabung (Tungkal)
sub-basin providing strong targets for further exploration
work.
Incorporating existing 3D seismic and wireline log data,
a tectono-sedimentary model unique for the each field
was generated. All three field geological models are in
close proximity to each other within the Betara Complex.
Generally, there are three distinct identifiable sub-basin
evolution periods. First, a period of horst-graben
development controlled by major localized extensional
faults that initiated the basin architecture. This episode
was followed by rapid to moderate sedimentation
controlled by normal faults resulting in deposition of
Oligocene Talang Akar alluvial, fluvial and deltaic
deposits. Secondly, a period of decreased fault activity
along with regional subsidence coinciding with the
deposition of post-rifting fine marine Miocene sediments
which provided a regional seal for the underlying
reservoirs. The third period is marked by regional uplift
resulting in wide spread basin inversion over the entire
region providing a period of hydrocarbon trapping.
Basin evolution provided complex stratigraphic and
structural features and constitutes compartmentalized
reservoirs. Complex-multiple gas and oil contacts and
variation in CO2 distribution has verified the complexity
of the basins geological framework.
Drainage patterns identified from localized paleo-
geographic configurations can be used to locate
sedimentary styles and trends. When combined with
attribute extractions and structural analysis, these
patterns can help explorationists develop excellent
opportunities for further exploration and development of
the area.
Introduction
The study area is located in PetroChina’s Jabung Block
in the northern area of the South Sumatra Basin (Figure-
1). This northern area has become more actively
explored since the discovery of North Geragai and
Northeast Betara fields by Santa Fe Energy Resources.
Properties currently are held by PetroChina
International.
This study focuses on the Oligocene Lower Talang Akar
reservoirs. These reservoirs have the highest cumulative
production and new field discoveries in South Sumatra
Basin. Other productive zones are fluvio-deltaic Oligo-
Miocene Upper Talang Akar, Miocene Batu Raja, Gumai
and Air Benakat reservoirs. In the study area, the Lower
Talang Akar Formation is dominated by non-marine
deposits and currently has contributed 20% of the total
Jabung Block’s cumulative oil equivalent production.
However, the reservoir contains over 70% of the total
proven reserves. More than 60% of the exploration wells
in Jabung have targeted this formation. In the Sumatra
Basin, where total cumulative production is 2.1 BBO and
2.3 TCF, the Talang Akar reservoirs have produced
more than 65% of the total oil production from more than
120 field discoveries (Pertamina BPPKA, 1997).
Methodology
Incorporating geological (well logs, sample, and cores),
geophysical (2D and 3D seismic) and engineering (DST,
2 IPTC 10094
pressure, and production) data and analyses, some
effective methods such as integrated wireline logs,
seismic interpretations, seismic event flattening, 3D
Visualization, seismic attribute analysis and wireline log
cross plots were applied in this research to better
understand the complex nature of basin architecture in
the area.
Structural interpretation and analyses were used to
determine the basin’s development history, as well as to
better understand possible spatial and temporal
sedimentary styles and their development.
Basin Development
South Sumatra Basin is a back-arc basin where thick
sediment filled structurally controlled graben/half-graben
of rifted basins within a relatively short geologic history
during the Tertiary period. Depocenter of the Palembang
sub-basin to the south (Figure-1B) show more than
19,600’ (6000m) of Tertiary sediment had filled the
basinal area (Pertamina BPPKA, 1997). Jabung
(Tungkal) sub-basin study area, consists of a separated
half-graben series that formed “boomerang” shape
features controlled by older northeast-southwest and
northwest-southeast normal faults (Figure-1B and C).
These half-graben series are marginal in size typically
about 12 x 19 sq miles (20 x 30 sq kms) or smaller with
accumulated sediment loads of over 15,000’ (4500 m)
thick. However these scattered lows, components of the
sub-basin, present an excellent petroleum generating
system in the Jabung Block.
Encroachment and subduction of the India-Australia
oceanic plate under the Sunda Continental Plate from
early Pre-Tertiary to end of the Tertiary period, revealed
a dynamic and complex geological history (de Coster,
1974, Pulunggono, 1986, Hall, 1997). It has resulted in
various types of basins, as well as very complex
structural features.
In the South Sumatra Basin, generally there are three
documented periods of sub-basin evolution. Figure-2 is a
common feature developed in the field study area
showing evolution of the Tertiary Basin taken from RPH
seismic section with it’s interpretation. First period is the
development of Pre-Tertiary horst-grabens controlled by
major and local extensional faults that initiated the basin
architecture. This period during mid-Mesozoic to
Oligocene time is presumed to provide a basis of
structural and basin architecture for subsequent basin
development (de Coster, 1974, Pulunggono, 1986). In
the study area major structural oriented northwest-
southeast and southwest-northeast normal faults formed
a series of half-grabens (Figure-1C). Rapid to moderate
sedimentation rates controlled by these faults resulted in
deposition of documented Oligocene Talang Akar
alluvial, fluvial and deltaic deposits that filled in lows
within half-grabens. This syn-rift sediment in the study
area was deposited in extremely various thicknesses
ranging from more than 6000’ (1828m) in low areas to
thin 2000’ (610m) draping onto areas of paleo-highs.
The Lower Talang Akar Formation is typically absent
around paleo-horst basement highs.
Second, a period of decreased fault activity along with
regional subsidence coincide with deposition of post-
rifting fine to coarse Miocene to younger sediments of
the Batu Raja, Gumai, Air Benakat, Muara Enim and
younger deltaic, marine, and fluvio deltaic deposits.
The third period was regional uplift due to a
compressional phase initiated in late Miocene
(Pulunggono, 1986) and accelerated in Plio-Pleistocene
which resulted in widespread structural rejuvenation in
the entire region. This tectonic regime has inverted many
earlier basins and grabens, generated folding, reversed
structures and basement uplift. In the study area these
complex structures are characterized by high-angle
reverse faults created by the reactivation of older normal
faults. This young structuring is oriented northwest-
southeast roughly parallel to the southwestern coast of
the Sumatra Island. Sediment associated with this period
consists of coarse to volcano clastic deposits of Kasai
and younger formations.
Lower Talang Akar Stratigraphic Framework
Generally thick sediments were deposited within the sub-
basin study area, similar to the South Sumatra Basin
during a relatively short geologic time in the Tertiary
period. Over 15,000’ (4570m) of sediment is expected to
have filled the basin depocenter in the Betara and
Geragai deeps during Oligocene to present day.
The Lower Talang Akar reservoir in the study area varies
from thin to moderately thick reservoirs consisting of fine
to coarse grained sandstones as predominantly channel
fluvial sands to thin fine grained sandstones of a coal-
rich delta-lake type setting to locally alluvial pebbly and
conglomeratic sandstones deposited in an alluvial
environment.
The Upper and Lower Talang Akar sediment contains
approximately 20% of the total volume of Tertiary
sediment deposited in the Jabung Block sub-basin.
Thicknesses range from 0’ on basement highs to 4000‘
(1220m) deposited in lows that were accelerated by half
graben movement. Three major field examples in the
Jabung Block are covered in this study. Two fields (NEB
and GHM) were deposited in a fluvial environment with a
third (RPH) in a more distal fluvio-deltaic setting.
Sediments of the Lower Talang Akar Formation filled
troughs during rifting within the graben/ half-graben
system. Source of sedimentation is believed to be from
adjacent paleo-highs created during formation of the
horst-graben system. In NEB Field, the Lower Talang
IPTC 10094
Akar reservoir on lapped onto steeply dipping paleo-
basement highs thickening northward into the basinal
area. Sediment was absent over horst generated paleo-
basement highs. When the Jabung sub-basin was fully
covered by marine shales of the Upper Talang Akar
Formation, sediments covering the region provided a
seal for early stratigraphic trapping. Subsequently later
tectonic compression formed a more pronounced
structural component to existing stratigraphic traps. In
GMH Field, the Lower Talang Akar Formation appeared
to be deposited on a paleo-ramp that had a moderate
slope providing conditions for development of more
homogeneously reservoirs in the lower part of the
formation. Both NEB and GMH field’s main reservoirs
are meandering fluvial channel sands from middle to
upper LTAF with good reservoir properties.
RPH Field, south of NEB and east of GMH, displays
highly heterogeneous reservoir sand development that is
considered to have been developed in a more distal
fluvio-deltaic environment. This environment differs from
NEB and GMH by having more coals and finer
sediments with marginal reservoir properties.
Reservoir Characterization
Basin framework includes basin configuration slope,
movement, and relative mean sea level (base level)
changes are the main ingredients that controlled
sedimentary style and volume in the Jabung sub-basin.
A preliminary reservoir characterization of Tertiary
sediments has been done (Suta, 2003). In vertical
sequence through time, older reservoirs generally exhibit
a reduction in reservoir properties (porosity and
permeability) due to compaction and/or diagenesis
process (Figure-3).
Tertiary sediments in the Jabung area is considered
controlled by existing mostly granitic provenance Pre-
Tertiary basement. Re-working, re-cycling, and re-
deposition of sediments through time have caused
reduction of it’s radioactive mineral make-up. A simple
approach shown in Figure-4A indicates older Tertiary
(LTAF) to younger Muara Enim Formation (MEF) sands
have a consistent reduction in the thorium-potassium
concentration. Interestingly, Figure-4B with a significant
lack/or absent of LTAF sediment in NEB-6 located on a
paleo-horst is due to either a depositional hiatus or
sediment erosion. Being a granitic provenance,
basement constantly shows the highest radioactive
components on natural gamma ray logs.
Lower Talang Akar Reservoir Characterization
Early stage of Tertiary sedimentation was controlled by
horst-graben configuration and normal fault movement.
This period of instability within the basin was
3
characterized by deposition of coarse to pebble grained
alluvial sediment driven by gravity flow due to a steeply
dipping basin slope. In the NEB area, when the basin
became subsequently more stable with a lower slope
gradient, deposition of coarse to medium grained
moderately well sorted sands were deposited in a
braided river system during lowstand system track in the
Lower LTAF Formation. Blocky and locally serrated,
stacked sands, indicated by gamma-ray patterns, had a
large variation in porosity ranging from less than 10 to
27% porosity with local permeabilities up to a darcy.
Sediments are sourced from adjacent paleo-basement
highs.
In an adjacent area towards the southeast, basins
seemed to have moderately gentle slope patterns. In
GMH area, sands consists of coarse to medium grains,
clean thick blocky gamma-ray signatures, better sorting
and are laterally homogeneous formed in a braided river
system in the Lower LTAF. Reservoirs have porosities
up to 28% and permeabilities up to 1.8 darcies. Mapping
basement that represented paleogeographic
configuration, proved to be of great assistance in
locating the paleo-drainage for sedimentary fairways
(Figure-1C and Figure-5).
South of NEB Field lies the RPH area. RPH reservoirs
are mainly thin fine grained sandstones with poor to
marginal reservoir properties deposited in a fluvio-deltaic
environment characterized by serrated gamma-ray
shape interbedded with local siltstones, coals and
shales.
In NEB and GMH Fields, sandstones of the upper LTAF
are the main producing reservoirs in the area and were
deposited in a relatively stable environment with a gentle
slope gradient. Reservoirs are characterized by coarse
to fine quartz grained sandstones with occasionally lithic
grains, clean, moderately well sorted deposited in a
meandering channel environment. Basin configuration
strongly controls the sedimentary style of reservoirs
(Figure-6). Wireline log GR character of the upper LTAF
is blocky, clean with fining upward channel sands.
Reservoir consists of mainly multi-stacked sands with
thickness ranging from 10’ to 25’, porosities from 19% to
30% with pemeabilities from 200 mD up to 1.2 darcies.
Paleo-troughs tend to provide thicker better reservoir
distribution in contrast to paleo-highs which have shalier
and thinner sediments. Drilling NEB Gas Inj-A/Ast is an
example of finding better reservoir near paleo-highs. The
original well was directionally drilled north towards the
basin area but encountered low porosity/permeable
alluvial fan system with no fluvial channels. A decision
was made to sidetrack the well to the northeast targeting
sands within a paleo-trough. The sidetrack encountered
several thick fluvial channel reservoirs that will be used
for gas injection.
In the GMH area, these upper reservoirs have similar
4 IPTC 10094
properties encountered in NEB area dominated by a
meandering river facies.
In RPH Field, reservoirs consists of fine grained sands
with coarsening-up prograding cycles and a more
frequent coaly facies providing highly heterogeneous
distribution of reservoirs (Figure-2 refer to RPH-2
wireline logs). Marginal reservoir properties averaging
11’ thick, 19% porosity and 25 mD of permeability makes
producing the reservoirs difficult. To increase production
of these reservoirs, recent wells have been hydraulically
fractured with good results in mainly distributary channel
sands that are generally less than 20’ thick. Moderate to
thin distributary channels and crevasse splays are the
dominant reservoir facies.
Variation of seismic attributes for sands with similar
characteristics demonstrates the complexity of reservoir
development in NEB, GMH and RPH areas. An example
of this is shown in Figure-5B. Combining these attributes
with structural elevation is one method being used to
generate a field development strategy.
The final stage of Lower Talang Akar development was
the deposition of fine marine sediment of the Upper
Talang Akar Formation (UTAF). This marine sediment
marked the diminishing of the rifting phase. Wider
basinal depocenter covered by sea water provided the
seal for LTAF reservoirs.
Complex Reservoir Compartment
Field/reservoir compartments are very common
throughout the region both laterally and vertically. This
has been vrified by variations in CO2 concentrations,
gas-oil and oil-water contacts, different reservoir
pressures (Figure-7) and uncommon fluid distribution.
Lateral compartments are created by structural fault
orientations in NEB, GMH, and RPH areas. Old and
young structuring oriented mainly north-south,
northwest-southeast and southeast-northwest constitute
the main compartment boundaries (Figure-1C and also
Figure-6). Each compartment has different fluid contacts
and formation pressures. In NEB area, this is even more
evident by the presence of variations in the CO2 content
where concentration is the highest in the east (over
50%) with lower concentration (less than 15%) in the
western part of the field. Compartmentalization of the
reservoir may also be controlled by the nature of channel
reservoir types as well as stratigraphic pinch-outs.
Vertical compartmentalization is supported by pressure
data/analysis in NEB area, CO2 vertical segregation in
GMH field reservoirs and the complex nature of fluid type
distribution in RPH area as encountered in RPH-5. This
is mainly due to intraformational shales which provide
flow barriers preventing vertical fluid migration.
Conclusion
The South Sumatra Tertiary Basin is characterized by a
system of horst and graben structures generated from
Pre-Tertiary structural framework. In the study area,
Jabung sub-basin consist of a series of marginal half-
graben structures resulting from rifting rearranged by
younger tectonic processes that has generated a
productive petroleum system.
Lower Talang Akar syn-rift reservoirs deposited in early
stage of basin development comprise of alluvial and
fluvial to deltaic sediments. Sedimentary style, character
and reservoir geometry in the Lower Talang Akar
Formation are controlled by fault movement, drainage
fairways and basin slope.
Field compartments are common throughout the region
due to complex structural and stratigraphy components
demonstrated by varying fluid contacts, CO2
concentration, different pressure regime and irregular
fluid distribution.
References
1. de Coster, G.L., 1974, “The geology of the Central
and South Sumatra basins”, Proceeding of the
Indonesian Petroleum Association, Third Annual
Convention, Jakarta, p. 77-110
2. Hall, R., 1997, “Cenozoic plate tectonic
reconstructions of SE Asia”, in Fraser, A.J.,
Matthews, S.J., and Murphy, R.W., eds., Petroleum
Geology of Southeast Asia: Geological Society
Special Publication no.126, p. 11-23
3. Pertamina BPPKA, Oil Company Consortium, 1997,
“Petroleum Geology of Indonesian Basins”,
Principles, Methods and Application, Vol. X, South
Sumatra Basin, 91 p.
4. Pulunggono, A., 1986, “Tertiary structural features
related to extensional and compressive tectonics in
the Palembang basin, South Sumatra”, in
Proceedings of the Indonesian Petroleum
Association, 15th Annual Convention, Jakarta,
p.187-213
5. Suta, I Nyoman, 2003, Reservoir Characterization of
Lower Talang Aar Fluvial Sandstones, Northeast
Betara (NEB) Field, South Sumatra Basin,
Indonesia, a Master degree Thesis, The University
of Oklahoma, Norman, USA, 173 p.
IPTC 10094 5

Figure-1 A. Location map showing study area.

B. South Sumatra Basin major faults geometry and orientation
C. Recent basement configuration with structure distribution
6 IPTC 10094

Figure-2 3Dseismic inline-450 and section interpretations showing Tertiary basin development. Period-1, extensional phase marked by
rifting period, in South Sumatra Basin this is a period of reservoirs and source rocks development. In RPH area, Normal (main) fault
responsible for syn-rift sedimentation (Oligocene to Early Miocene LTAFand UTAF) and controlled sedimentary drainage. Basin become
more stable, no significant structural development, marked by deposition of post-rift sediments (BatuRaja, Gumai, from Miocene to
younger formations): period-2. This period provided regional seal for underlying reservoirs. Finally, regional compression phase causing
basin inversion marked by trusting, folding and rejuvenation of pre-existing structures in Plio-Pleistocene. This is period of trap
formation: period-3.

Figure-3 NEB-7&6, GMH-5 and NG-2 Core K vs. Phi Cross-plot. In general,
reservoir porosity increases in younger formations.
IPTC 10094 7

Figure-4 A. NEB-4 Well TH-K crossplot from Air Benakat to Lower Talang
Akar Formations and Basement.

Figure-4 B. In NEB-6 Well the cross-plot shows thin/ or absent of the Lower
Talang Akar unit.
8 IPTC 10094

Figure-5 A. GMH basement configuration (colored) superimposed with LTAF isochron

(contour).
B. RMS-amplitude of lower part of LTAF reservoir driven by basement configuration provided
sediment drainage (red arrows)

Figure-6 west-east strike depositional stratigraphic cross-section.

Datum: top Lower Talang Akar Formation. Paleo-low displayed
prospective area of high sand/shale ratio. Index map is in Figure-1C
IPTC 10094 9

Figure-7 A. Well pressure analysis (PetroChina, 2001) plots showing reservoir compartmentalization in
NEB Field. The reservoir have been compartmentalized laterally and vertically (details are discussed on
the paper).
B. NEB Field log profile showed by NEB-10 Well log