Continuous Competency Development of Reservoir Engineers to Overcome the Maturity of Mahakam

Abstract

Mahakam has been in operation for over 40 years and currently still becomes one of the biggest producing blocks in Indonesia. As the fields mature, the role of reservoir engineers becomes more prominent in order to overcome the elevating complexity and challenges in managing the portfolio and maintaining the potential of Mahakam fields. Therefore, Pertamina Hulu Mahakam strives to continuously focus on human capital and quality improvement of its engineers. The Reservoir Engineer (RE) community consists of 70 people averaging the age of 35 with various educational and professional backgrounds. This paper shares PHM's development methods in ensuring equalization of competence among engineers that include formal training, dynamic job assignment, coaching & mentoring and community based development.

Formal training, being guided through application of geosciences passport, is compulsory for all engineers. Each engineer has to complete all the courses listed within the passport including other disciplines such as geology and geophysics. The training undergoes regular update on its structure and content, including development of the instructors. Implementation of dynamic job assignment exposes reservoir engineers to varying technical experiences within movement target of 2-3 years. Additional short-term task forces are assembled in order to cope with operational dynamics. Assignments monitoring is conducted regularly both by hierarchies via Annual Individual Review (AIR), and by Human Resources Business Partner. The monitoring is later consolidated with Head of RE discipline for the construction of the Individual Development Plan (IDP).

Coaching and mentoring program is intended to accelerate professional skills of mentees by working together with their mentors in solving a challenging project that ultimately benefits both the company and employees.

Community based development is conducted via the establishment of RECON (Reservoir Engineers Collaborative Network), a community that was initiated on 16th of December 2016 to propel the capacity and capability development of reservoir engineers. Supervised by steering committee, members are given the opportunity to share, learn, and innovate through programs run by the organizing committee. These programs include knowledge sharing forum, RE school, one-stop-website, RE Bulletin, formation of champion groups in certain areas, and field visits.

By prioritizing on human capital, increasing competence in both soft and hard skills will enhance reservoir engineers' readiness to face the elevating complexity of Mahakam Additionally, leadership continuity can be ensured through rapid maturity of young engineers. Lastly, human resources development leads to higher job satisfaction and engagement towards the profession.