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PROCEEDINGS, INDONESIAN PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION

Twenty-Sixth Annual Convention, May 1998

MUSI PLATFORM AND PALEMBANG HIGH: A NEW LOOK AT THE PETROLEUM SYSTEM

Hamen Rashid"
Imam B. Sosmwidjojo**
F.X. Widiarto * *

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION

The Musi Platform and Palembang High are structural
elements in the South Sumatra Basin, that have
become more important targets in future exploration
activities. In the South Sumatra Basin, oil and gas are
produced from several reservoirs such as the Talang
Akar sands, Baturaja limestone and Palembang sands
as well as from fractures in the Pre-Tertiary basement.
The hydrocarbon source rocks are believed to be the
Paleogene lacustrine shales of the Lahat/Lemat
formation, and the fluvio-deltaic to marginal marine
Talang Akar shales and coals.
The geochemical reevaluation of crude oil and
condensates from 41 samples in the basin, combined
with data from the newly discovered fields in the
Palembang High and Musi Platform established three
genetic oil groups in the areas, i.e. marine, lacustrine
and deltaic oils.
In this paper it is further shown that deltaic oils can
be divided into two different facies, i.e. marine and
fluvial deltaic types. Oil in the Palembang High area
apparently belongs to . the jluvial deltaic type.
Indications are that this oil represents a mix of the
two typical oils from the southern and northern
portions of the Palembang High. Marine influenced
oils, on the other hand, can be divided into two facies,
i.e. marine shale and marine carbonate oils. Marine
carbonate oil was found in condensate samples taken
from the Pre-Tertiary Basement fracture in the Musi
Platform. The new evidence described in this paper
may open new exploration opportunities in these
areas.
* P.T. Exspan Sumatera
** PPPTMGB "Lemigas"
This study attempts to reappraise genetic
classifications of the South Sumatran crude and
condensate samples in Exspan's fields and correlate
them with the new fields in the,Palembang High. For
that purpose, a geochemical re-evaluation of 41 crude
oil and condensate samples was undertaken. A genetic
classification of different oil types is proposed based
on total saturate and aromatic carbon isotopes, GC
and GC-MS data. The study includes visual re-
examination of selected GC-MS traces that were
available from the previous studies, classifying them
based on depositional environment of their source
rocks, and assessing their maturity levels. The data
included in the study come from areas operated by
Exspan and also data from areas previously operated
by Stanvac, the predecessor of Exspan. Some other
data are from literature.
GEOLOGICAL SETTING
The Musi Platform and the Palembang High are
prominent structural elements in the South Sumatra
Basin (Figure 1). The Musi Platform is located in the
western portion of the area, bounded to the north by
the Pigi trough, to the south by the Lematang trough
and to the west by the Pigi trough and the Saung
Naga graben. The Musi Platform and the Palembang
High are separated by the Benakat Gully. To the
north, the Palembang High is bounded by the Jemakur
Graben, to the south by the Lematang trough and to
the east by the Sunda shield.
The Musi Platform and the Palembang High were
formed since rifting time in the Oligocene. These two
highs remained high until the deposition of the
Baturaja and the Telisa or Gumai. Meanwhile
266
surrounding both highs, the Lahat, Lemat and Talang
Akar formations were deposited. Onlapping of the
Lemat and the Talang Akar can be seen on seismic
data surrounding these highs. Subsequently, these
areas were covered by the Telisa (Gumai) and
Palembang (Muara Enim, Air Benakat) formations and
then modified by the Plio-Pleistocene structuring.
STRATIGRAPHY
The stratigraphy of the South Sumatra Basin is
summarized in Figure 2. It is described in detail in
other literature, such as De Coster (1974).
The Pre-Tertiary section, the so called 'economic
basement' in this basin, is a complex of Pre-Tertiary
igneous, metamorphic and carbonate rocks. The Pre-
Tertiary rocks were intensely folded and faulted and
were intruded by igneous rocks during the time. In
the Musi Platform and Palembang High, many
different rocks can be found. In some fields, these
rocks produce oil.
The Lahat formation consists of predominantly
tuffaceous rocks, coarse clastics and continental
sedimentary rock. In the Musi Platform area, the tuffs
found in the Laru wells are probably part of this
formation. The age of this formation is about Middle
Eocene. This was followed by rifting that formed
grabens during the Upper Eocene.
The Lower Oligocene Lemat formation filled the first
grabens in the South Sumatra basin. It is bounded at
its base and at its top by unconformities which are
also sequence boundaries. Seismic sections show
onlap onto the pre-Tertiary basement such as seen on
the surrounding Palembang High. The Benakat
member of the Lemat Formation, which occurs in the
central portions of the basin, was deposited in a fresh
and brackish lacustrine environment, and has become
a good source rock. The Lemat formation. could also
act as a reservoir.
The Talang Akar formation overlies the Lemat
formation or the pre-Tertiary Basement and is a late
graben fd sediment. On the Palembang High and
Musi Platform the onlap of the Talang Akar formation
can be defined seismically. This formation was
deposited in late Oligocene to early Miocene and is
composed of deltaic sediments that grade basinward
into marginal marine sediments. It has good potential
to become both a source rock and reservoir rock.
The Baturaja formation was deposited in intermediate
and shelfal portions of the South Sumatra basin, on
and around platforms and highs. The Baturaja
fonr ,tion is composed of platform or bank limestone
capped in restricted localities by further buildups of
detrital, reefal and bank limestone. Away from the
highs, limestones are occasionally developed in the
overlying Telisa shale and become part of the Telisa
Formation. The age of this formation is approximately
early to middle Miocene. The Baturaja Formation is
a good reservoir in South Sumatra.
In the basin sag stage during the middle Miocene, the
Telisa formation was deposited. This was followed by
maximum transgression into the basin that caused this
formation to become the most widespread of the
Tertiary units. The Telisa formation is characterised as
a fossiliferous, marine shale containing occasionally
thin beds of glauconitic limestone. This formation
acts as a good regional seal in the basin. The Telisa
formation is overlain by the Lower Palembang
formation. The contact is gradational, reflecting the
steady shallowing of the marine environment. The
Lower Palembang formation was deposited in the
early stages of the regressive cycle. This formation is
composed of shales with glauconitic sandstones and
occasionally limestone. It was deposited in a neritic
to shallow marine environment. This unit has been
interpreted to be mostly late Miocene in age. Several
oil and gas fields produce from this formation. The
upper contact with the Middle Palembang formation
is essentially a lithologic contact based on the
occurrence of coals in the Middle Palembang.
The Middle Palembang formation is composed of
sandstone, mudstone and coal beds, and was deposited
in various environments including shallow marine-
brackish, paludal, delta plain and non marine
environments. The age of this formation is Upper
Miocene to Pliocene. The Middle Palembang is a
reservoir for several oil and gas fields. The Middle
Palembang formation was followed by the Upper
Palembang formation which was deposited during the
Plio-Pleistocene orogeny and most products were
derived from the uplift of the Barisan mountains. The
formation is composed of tuffaceous sands, clays and
gravel, and occasionally thin coals.

OIL GEOCHEMISTRY
Method
The approach used in this study was focused on the
biomarker distribution of the oil samples particularly
for steranes and triterpanes. With the exception of four
newly discovered crude oils in the Palembang High,
all of the 37 oil samples were not reanalysed in the
lab. However their GC-MS chromatograms from
previous studies were revisited. The inspection was
limited to some interesling peaks from selected ion
masses (m/z) of 191, 412, 217, 218,259,372 and 400
for only the most popular biomarker indicators from
steranes and triterpanes. The steranes and triterpanes
biomarker compounds were assigned by comparing
GC elution orders with those reported in literature,
especially the assignment of triterpanes to discriminate
different mass chromatograms.
Other compounds such as bicadinanes were assigned
based on m/z 412. Estimated vitrinite reflectance
values using a new maturity parameter based on
Bicadinane Maturity Index (Sosrowidjojo et al., 1996)
were utilised in this study. Following the work of ten
Haven and Schiefelbein (1995), statistical analysis
have been used to discriminate the crude oil samples.
Oil Classification
General classification of kerogen types contributing to
the crude samples are displayed in Figure 3. The cross
plot of Pr/n - C,, vs Ph/n - C,, shows that the
majority of crude oil and condensate samples fall in
an area between Type I and Type 111 kerogen zones,
suggesting that those samples originated from source
rock containing Type I1 or even mixed kerogens. Only
three samples fall within the zone of theoretical Type
111, suggesting that they were derived from source
rocks containing Type 111 kerogen. It is shown in this
cross plot that none of the samples falls within the
zone of theoretical Type I kerogen, suggesting that
purely lacustrine-derived crude oil was not observed
in this study.
The crossplot of Pr/Ph vs Canonical variable (Cv,
based on 813 C of saturated and aromatic
hydrocarbon) is shown in Figure 4. A terrestrial
indicator based on this cross plot is arbitrarily defined
from heavier carbon isotopes and PrRh value greater
than 3.5. This figure shows that nine crude oil
267
samples have been derived from source rocks
containing purely terrigenous kerogen. The remaining
samples are believed to be of marine and lacustrine
origin.
Multiple oil types have been discriminated especially
by comparing triterpane chromatograms (m/z 191) of
all the samples with those from published literature
data. From these a dendrogram containing aquatic and
terrestrial groups as shown in Figure 5 can be
constructed. With the help of statistical analyses, two
major groups are recognisable. These groups represent
the marinehacustrine oils and the terrigenous oils and
named as aquatic and terrestrial respectively. The
aquatic group can be divided into two sub-groups, ie.
marine and lacustrine. The terrestrial group can be
separated into three deltaic facies ie. marine deltaic,
fluvial deltaic and resinitic/oleanane rich sub-groups.
The classifier is meant to describe the origin of the
crude oil samples from specific paleo environments.
For detail discussion of these oil classifications,
readers are asked to consult ten Haven and
Schiefelbein (1995).
Maturity
In this study, oil maturity were assessed using
Bicadinane Maturity Index (BMI) as bicadinanes have
been shown to occur in almost all of the samples
studied. The samples studied show a BMI variation,
suggesting that these samples have different maturity
levels. Using a certain formula, these BMI are then
converted to Ro. The maturity assessments show that
oil and condensate samples had been generated from
marginally mature source rocks (Ro = 0.6 - 0.9).
Petroleum Provinces
A map of the study area showing the distribution of
petroleum provinces can be seen in Figure 6. The first
group is classified as marine oils such as those found
in Buka, Teras, Koneng and Serdang. The marine
group has two organic facies namely evaporatic
marine carbonate and ordinary marine shales. The
Buka oil is representative of the marine carbonate
sub-group and the other three oils belong to a marine
shale sub-group. Furthermore, the marine carbonate
facies is of particular interest since it is unique to the
South Sumatera Basin. This will be discussed in a
later section:
268
The following group is classified as lacustrine oils,
such as those found in Benakat, Pian, Jene, Gunung
Kembang, Musi, Reno and Panglero. Of these, only
Benakat has strong evidence to be lacustrine-derived
oil similar to 'Lacustrine type B' of ten Haven and
Schiefelbein (1995). The remaining oils in this group
are still dominated by bacterial algal kerogen but
contain resin bicadinanes of terrestrial origin.
The last group represents the most common oils in the
South Sumatra Basin that have been derived from
deltaic settings. This group of oils can be subdivided
into two genetic oil sub-groups, marine and fluvial
deltaic facies and one class namely resinitic/oleanane
rich sub-group due to its high abundance of
bicadin an eslo le an anes and re1at ed ole anoid
compounds. The marine deltaic facies oils are found
in Rambutan, Lagan and Kampong Minyak. While the
fluvial deltaic facies oils are found in Talang Akar,
Pendopo, Kerang, Tanjung Laban, Langkap, Tabuan,
South Tabuan and Ibul. The resinitic/oleanane rich oils
are found in Raja, Abab, Dewa, Gunung Kemala and
Lim au .
The newly discovered oils in Kaji and Semoga fields
are typical of fluvial-deltaic oils. Comparison of the
geochemical properties indicates that the oils have
been derived from source rocks containing mixed
kerogen types.
The distribution pattern of saturated hydrocarbon
shows that the biomarkers of the Kaji and Semoga
samples are essentially similar to oils from both South
Tabuan and Langkap fields. This is to be expected
since the oil fields lie approximitely along the same
structural trend.
Unlike typical South Tabuan samples, the Kaji and
Semoga samples have higher Pr/Ph values. Oils with
relatively high P r P h and abundant bicadinane possibly
originated from the same source as those of Abab and
Dewa. This suggests that these oils are a mix of
typical South Tabuan and Abab oils.
PETROLEUM SYSTEM
A summary of the petroleum system in the South
Sumatra Basin is shown in Figure 7. The Benakat
member of the Lemat formation seems to be the
source of lacustrinic oils, while the deltaic oils seem
to be generated from the Talang Akar formation. The
marine oils seem to be generated from the Baturaja
and the Telisa formations. This will be discussed in
detail in a later section. Oils in the South Sumatra
basin are trapped in structural and stratigraphic traps.
Oils reservoired in the Lemat, Talang Akar and
Palembang are mainly found in structural traps.
However a few fields are known to have stratigraphic
entrapments. While the oils in the Baturaja limestone
are mostly found in stratigraphic traps, a few are
found in structural traps. Several reservoirs have been
proven in sandstones of the Lemat, Talang Akar,
Palembang and Telisa formations as well as in
limestones of the Baturaja formation, and fractures of
the Pre-Tertiary basement. The Telisa formation
usually acts as a regional seal. Intra-formational seals
are found in the Lemat, Talang Akar, Lower
Palembang and Middle Palembang formations. In
Exspan's areas, it is believed that hydrocarbons started
to be generated at around 12.5 mybp. Since then early
oil migration occurred and accumulated in the paleo
traps/structures. Around 2.8 mybp, the Plio-
Pleistocene orogeny modified the paleo structures
where oil spilled to the present day traps.
From this study, new thoughts that may add to the
knowledge of the current petroleum system in the
South Sumatra Basin have been seen. They are
described below.
Ca&onate Derived Oil
The Buka oil is unique to the South Sumatra basin, as
this is the only oil sample in which its geochemical
finger print indicates the existence of carbonate source
rock. The Buka oil was trapped in the Pre-Tertiary
basement fractures, sitting on the top of the BunguI
High in the Musi Platform., The presence of the
carbonate oil in this field suggests that somewhere in
the area the carbonate rock may become a source
rock.
Some explanations for this are suggested here. On the
Musi Platform itself the Tertiary sediments are no1
mature in the majority of the area. Toward Benakal
Gully, the platform becomes deeper, and at some
point the carbonate gets mature enough to generate
hydrocarbon. Despite the fact that Baturaja limestone
in the Benakat Gully is not developed, some
carbonate or calcareous shales from the Telisz
Formation (usually calcarenite or calcilutite) are
believed to be present. If this type of source rock has

sufficient organic materials, they might have generated
hydrocarbon.
Another possibility, is the presence of Pre-tertiary
carbonate. On the Musi Platform some Pre-Tertiary
carbonates were found in Jala and Serdang wells. This
Pre-Tertiary carbonate could have become a source
rock if it was buried deeper especially within the
grabens. It is hoped that at other places the carbonate
oil could be found.
Mixed oil in Palembang High
As discussed earlier, oils from Kaji and Semoga fields
in the Palembang High are described as a mixed oil of
typical South Tabuan in the north and Abab in the
south. The Jemakur graben is believed to be the
source kitchen for South Tabuan and Langkap oils
which also charged Kaji and Semoga since they are in
close proximity. However, Abab oil is about 35 km to
the south of Kaji and Semoga, which is considered too
far for migration to take place.
If it is true, it seems that the migration of
hydrocarbons from the south can reach the central part
of the Palembang High. This fact gives significant
impact to the area in the southern part of the
Palembang High. The structures and carbonate
buildups in this area could be charged by the oil from
the south.
CONCLUSION
The oil classification in the South Sumatra basin
surrounding the Musi Platform and Palembang High
269
brings new evidence to the petroleum system of this
area. As seen in the Musi Platform area, carbonate-
derived oil could be generated. Similar situations
may be found in other area.in South Sumatra.
Additional data from other operators could add more
informatiin to this matter. For the area in the
Palembang High, the Kaji and.Semvga oils exhibit a
mixed origin and iuggest that hydrocarbons have
migrated from the area far to the south into the central
part of the Palembaag High.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank the management of
BPPKAIPertamina and Exspan for their permission to
publish this paper. Thanks are also expressed to all
G&G colleagues for their criticisms and suggestions,
especially to Asril Kamal. Also we would like to
extend our appreciation to Blinda who typed the
manuscript and to Exspan's drafting personnel.
REFERENCES
De Coster, G.L., 1974, The geology of the Central
and South Sumatra Basins, Proceeding of the
Indonesian Petroleum Association, 3, 77-1 10.
Sosrowidjojo, I.B., Murray, A.P., Alexander,R., Kagi,
R.I., Summons, R.E., 1996, Bicadinanes and related
compounds as maturity indicators for oils and
sediments, Organic Geochemistry 24, 43-55.
t
ten Haven, H.L. and Schiefelbein, C.F., 1995, The
Petroleum Systems of Indonesia, Proceeding of The
Indonesian Petroleum Association, 2411, 443-459.
 N
TAMIANG HIGH , 4
0
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CENTRAL PALEMBANG DEEP
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KUANGHIGH 0 s I
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KYS.

FIGURE 1 - Paleogene Tectonic Setting of South Sumatra Basin

 271

STANDARD
CHRONOSTRATIGRAPHY

TECTONIC TYPE STRATIGRAPHIC

SERIES
SUMMARY COLUMN
SYSTEM

ATERNAR’
Primary traps
0 formed

0 Widespread
compression

- -

jl Basin, sag stage

7 Late Graben fil

D Graben fill
Localized uplift
and erosion

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COMPLEX i

FIGURE 2 - Stratigraphic Column of The South Sumatra Basin

 N
4
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7.5
7
Marine
Lacustrinic
Marine Deltaic
A Fluvial Deltaic
0 Resinitic/Oleanane

\
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Lacustrine
Contribution
3.25

I I I
I I
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FIGURE 3 - A crossplot showing kerogen types based on Prh-C,, versus Phh-C,,for crude oil and condensate samples from the South Sumatra Basin
 273

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FIGURE 5 - A dendrogram showing aquatic and terrestrial oil groups from the South Sumatra Basin
0 : Marine deltaic oil with abundance of oleananes
 L d c us t r i n e

Fluvial Deltaic

oleanane r i c h

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FIGURE 6 - Distribution of Petroleum Provinces Develop in The Study
276

TYPE STRATIGRAPHIC
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FIGURE 7 - Simplified Petroleum System of The South Sumatra Basin