Amid the challenges of national energy security and the ever-evolving dynamics of the oil and gas industry, understanding the upstream process—particularly drilling services—has become a crucial key for the younger generation preparing to enter this sector.
To address this need, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), through the UI Geoscience Seminar (UIGS) STARBORN MENGAJAR 2025 program, explored the vital role of upstream services in the oil and gas industry—particularly drilling fluid services—in a seminar themed “Upstream Service in Oil and Gas: Drilling Fluid Services”, held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Auditorium, UI Campus, Depok.
The event featured Try Rachmaputra, S.Si., M.T., Chemical Service Coordinator at PT Elnusa Tbk, as the keynote speaker. The seminar was moderated by Ayunda Aulia Valencia, M.T., a lecturer from the Geophysics Study Program, and attended by around 80 students from the Geology and Geophysics Study Programs. The participants’ enthusiasm reflected the strong interest among students in exploration and petroleum technology topics in Indonesia.
In his presentation, Try Rachmaputra explained that in the drilling fluids business, there are two main types of companies. The first type provides comprehensive services, ranging from product sales to solving technical issues in the field—such as those offered by PT Elnusa Tbk. Meanwhile, the second type focuses solely on product sales, with limited technical support.
Furthermore, participants were introduced to various types of drilling rigs such as Land Rigs, Swamp Barges, Jack-Ups, Semi-Submersibles, and Drill Ships, as well as key components in drilling operations including cementing and casing. The main focus of the discussion was on drilling fluids (mud), which serve to lift rock cuttings to the surface and maintain wellbore stability. During the session, Try compared two main types of drilling mud: Water-Based Mud (WBM) and Oil-Based Mud (OBM). OBM is considered to provide better long-term wellbore stability, while WBM is more environmentally friendly, though it offers lower lubrication performance.
During the discussion and Q&A session, several students actively asked questions about the selection of drilling fluid types, drilling operation strategies, and internship opportunities at PT Elnusa. The discussion also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong academic performance, sharpening technical skills, and mastering English proficiency to stay competitive in the global oil and gas industry.
The event concluded with the presentation of a plaque to the speaker as a token of appreciation, followed by a group photo session with all participants. Through this activity, FMIPA UI hopes to bridge the gap between academia and industry while strengthening students’ readiness to face the ever-evolving challenges of the energy sector.
