The operator of the geologically remote Cataka-1 exploratory well on the 2,878 sq km Citarum PSC in Indonesia’s West Java basin has recommended abandonment of the well due to difficult hole conditions.

Progress in drilling the upper section has been troublesome due to unstable formations. Attempts to drill ahead from the 13 3/8-in. casing were not successful, necessitating a second sidetrack that was established by milling a window in the casing, but difficulties similar to those encountered in the first sidetrack have occurred in the second one, said partner Sound Oil PLC.

Pan Orient Energy Citarum, operator with 69% interest, recommended to the joint venture partnership to abandon the well at the present depth of 1,413 ft. It will evaluate the drilling operation with a view of returning to the prospect during or at the end of the current drilling campaign.

Pan Orient will move the rig to the Jatayu-1 location, a gas prospect 20 km southeast, next in the three-well program on Citarum.

Interest owners with Pan Orient are Sound Oil’s Mitra Energia Citarum affiliate with 20% and Bumi Parahyangan Energi 11%.