Travelogue: Matak, Indonesia
It was a business trip to Matak on the 17th May 2005. In order to get to Matak Island, you will first need approval from Conoco-Phillips Indonesia (COPI) in order to set your foot on the island. They are the biggest oil & gas company in Indonesia with their most promising oil fields just off-shore of Matak and Natuna islands. In case you are wondering where is this place, its those tiny little islands right in between the East & West Malaysia which you normally see when flying across the South China Seas. The company I worked for is a contractor for COPI, and I was sent to Matak for an important tracking mobilization for their supply boats there. On that morning, right about 6am, we were already there at the Halim Airport in Jakarta to board COPI’s chartered flight to Matak for crew change. The flight itself was dead boring, but look at the view outside the plane – it’s breath-taking!
And the food served onboard is just superb! My guess is that COPI must have used their own catering services to accomodate the expected quality of services which their high-paying staffs are used to. Anyway, as the plane starts decending in to the Matak Airstrip, I was already starting to enjoy myself on the sight of the beautiful islands surrounding the place. Once got out of the plane, I was shaken from the daze because people are starting to rush around to quickly get things done. I know I have a job to do, and this is my once-in-a-lifetime chance of ever possible reaching to these corporate-protected islands. Only managed to take a few pictures as we all rush around to find the first boat to perform installation.
First thing that were told to do was to check-in to our quaters and be on stand-by. The quaters are of good normal standards (e.g. warm shower, air-conditioned) and their camp services (e.g. laundry cleaning, canteen) are great. I was starting to feel a little too pampered by all these good & free services which COPI gives its staffs.
Anyway, as days progresses, we finally got the job done and were able to take a few more pictures of the peaceful Matak island.
Then on the last day, when the realization of having to leave the island dawned on us, it was very sad to say the least. The place was a peaceful haven (e.g. no cars, forest all around, far from civilization), and will obviously be deprived from all of these once we get back to the real world.
Justin: I would just like to say that I find story about rushing to get things done in Matak to be…
David: I couldn't disagree with Justin more. Typical response from an ignorant western oilfield hand. I live in Bali and work…
Adam J: I agree with David's post, and was embarassed to read the post from Justin. I spent about 3 years working…
lara: just read this site, coz I was looking more informations about this island that my germany friend talked about. he…
izzul: as an Indonesian i feel a little itchy when i read what justin post. As one of COPI service company,…