Uncovering the Role of Geoscientists, a Strategic Pillar in the Oil and Gas Industry

The Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), University of Indonesia (UI) held an open seminar UI Geoscience Seminar (UIGS) x Starborn Mengajar 2025 on Monday (19/5) afternoon, at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Hall, FMIPA UI, Depok. This seminar carries the theme “Geoscience in Oil and Gas Industry” and presenting the Muhajirs, Senior Geoscientist from Pertamina Hulu Energi, as the main speaker.

This activity successfully attracted the enthusiasm of dozens of students and lecturers who attended to gain direct insight from senior practitioners in the field. Opened by Agus Riyanto, M.T., a lecturer in the Geophysics Study Program (Prodi) FMIPA UI who also acted as a moderator, this seminar became a space for interaction between the academic and professional worlds.

"This seminar is important to open students' insights that geoscience is not just about rocks, but about how we protect the earth and build a sustainable energy future," concluded Agus Riyanto.

In his presentation, Muhajir emphasized that the role of geoscientists is very strategic and multidimensional in the oil and gas industry. Geoscientists are not only tasked with finding and evaluating oil and gas reserves, but also becoming scientific decision makers in the entire energy industry value chain.

"Geoscientists are the heart of exploration and production. They model the earth's subsurface using seismic, geological, and geophysical data to identify reservoir potential. Without accurate data and proper interpretation from geoscientists, the risk of exploration can be very high and detrimental to the company," explained Muhajir.

Furthermore, he explained how the role of geoscientists is now increasingly developing along with technological advances and global demands for sustainability. Geoscientists are currently also involved in carbon capture and storage (CCS) studies, groundwater management, and mapping of geological risk zones that are important in supporting the transition to cleaner energy.

"In the context of the energy transition, geoscientists have an important role in geothermal development, to mitigating the environmental impacts of industrial activities," he added.

The Q&A session was dynamic, where participants actively asked about job opportunities, exploration challenges in frontier areas, and how students can prepare themselves to face increasingly complex industrial developments..

Muhajir emphasized the importance of mastering digital data, spatial analysis skills, and multidisciplinary collaboration as the keys to the success of today's geoscientists. "It is not enough to just understand the theory, geoscientists must be adaptive to technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and multidomain data integration," he said.

As a form of appreciation, the UIGS x Starborn Mengajar committee presented an award plaque to Muhajir for his contribution in sharing knowledge and experience.

Through this seminar, the Department of Geosciences FMIPA UI hopes to build student awareness of the importance of the role of geoscientists in supporting national energy security. This activity is also an inspiring event for the younger generation to see geoscience as a field that is not only scientific, but also strategic in national development.