Abstract

Stanvac's files from the 1920's to the 1950's contain many insights into aspects of oil exploration in Sumatra during that period. Taken in a lighter vein, the stories from the files reveal the hopes held and hardships endured by the early petroleum explorationists. Following the serendipitous discovery of major oil reserves in the Talang Akar Field in 1922, Stanvac rivalled B.P.M. (Shell) as the leading oil company in Indonesia. The rivalry, as deduced from the files, was especially intense in new Sumatra exploration areas, and increased with the arrival on the scene in 1930 of Standard Oil of California (Caltex).

Exploration techniques initially were confined to seep prospecting and geological surface mapping, with pitting, trenching and coring techniques used in areas of no outcrop. The desire to obtain knowledge of competitors' activities led to the development of some unusual (to say the least) scouting methods. Refraction seismic surveys were first conducted in Sumatra in 1930, and reflection seismic was introduced in 1936. Electric logging of wells has been conducted in Indonesia by Schlumberger since 1930. Field conditions were at most times difficult; with ingenuity and hard work many of these difficulties were surmounted to set Indonesia on the road to becoming a major oil producing nation.

Stanvac's files from before World War II are incomplete. However, those files which have survived war, Japanese occupation, the independence revolution, and many office moves into times of peace and prosperity provide a fascinating, and, at times humorous perspective of the growth of oil exploration in Sumatra.