High-Capacity Submersible Pump Installation for Pertamina RDMP Lawe-Lawe Water Supply

Engineering and Installation of Submersible Pump for High-Capacity Water Supply

Client: PT Pertamina (Owner), PT Hutama Karya (Main Contractor for RDMP Pertamina) and Famili Kita (Sub Contractor) 
Sector: Oil and Gas Industry
Location & Timeline: Lawe-Lawe, Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan – 2024 to 2025

Executive Summary

PT Hutama Karya, as the main contractor for Pertamina’s Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) in Lawe-Lawe, required a high-capacity, precision-engineered groundwater pumping system to secure a stable water supply for refinery operations. This involved the installation and commissioning of five deep submersible pumps at wells exceeding 200 meters in depth, supported by heavy-duty riser pipes, precision alignment, and strict safety compliance. SUPRA was engaged to deliver the installation, commissioning, and integration of these systems in coordination with global pump manufacturer Grundfos, while meeting the stringent technical and HSE standards of the oil and gas sector.

Project Context

Water is a critical element in refinery operations, supporting cooling systems, process water requirements, and fire safety infrastructure. For the RDMP Lawe-Lawe facility, uninterrupted high-volume water delivery is essential to sustain continuous refinery output. Each well was designed to deliver substantial capacity in challenging subsurface conditions. Given the scale and strategic importance of the RDMP to Indonesia’s energy security, every component had to be engineered for precision, durability, and compliance with both national and international oil and gas industry standards.

Project Challenges

 • Deep well drilling exceeding 200 meters, requiring exact vertical alignment to maintain long-term operational performance.
 • Precision installation of riser pipes, submersible pumps, and waterproof electrical connections under stringent quality control.
 • Material compliance with oil and gas standards, including certified welding and full material testing.
 • Complex logistics to transport pumps, riser pipes, and electrical components from Jakarta and Surabaya to a remote site in Penajam Paser Utara.
 • Strict HSE requirements demanding advanced safety planning, hazard mitigation, and certified personnel across all project stages.

SUPRA’s Approach

SUPRA implemented a precision-driven EPCM execution strategy, combining engineering design, material procurement, installation, and commissioning in close collaboration with Hutama Karya, Pertamina’s project team, and Grundfos specialists. Activities included technical analysis and optimal depth verification for each well, fabrication and certified welding of riser pipes to oil and gas standards, calibrated installation of submersible pumps with secure couplings and flow meter integration, waterproof electrical connections for reliability, and strict HSE supervision to ensure zero incidents.

Outcome and Impact

The project successfully delivered five high-capacity submersible pump units operating at full capacity, designed for continuous operation with minimal maintenance. Precision engineering ensured long-term reliability, while integrated monitoring systems enabled preventive maintenance. By securing the essential water supply for the RDMP Lawe-Lawe refinery, the project directly supports the national refinery expansion program and Indonesia’s long-term energy resilience.

Strategic Significance for the Client

This project is a critical component of RDMP operational readiness for PT Hutama Karya and Pertamina. It ensures refinery processes run without disruption, minimizes operational risks, and maintains compliance with global oil and gas standards. The project reinforces the client’s track record in delivering complex large-scale infrastructure and demonstrates their ability to integrate world-class technology partners into Indonesia’s energy sector.

Key Facts

 • 5 deep wells, each over 200 meters
 • High-capacity Grundfos submersible pumps with precision riser systems
 • Certified welding and full material compliance with oil and gas standards
 • Full EPCM lifecycle delivery from analysis to commissioning
 • Zero-incident safety record under strict HSE supervision