Italian energy giant Eni has expanded its Asian portfolio with the addition of a new exploration license in the prolific Kutei Basin off the coast of Indonesia, Southeast Asia.
Eni has disclosed the award of the Sapukala block with a 100% participating interest in the Kutei Basin, East Kalimantan, within the framework of the first Indonesia Petroleum Bidding Round 2026, following the execution of a joint study with a prominent Indonesian academic institution, in accordance with local regulatory requirements, and participation in the direct offer bid round.
Based on the conducted study, the acreage is considered highly prospective. The company recently completed a new high-quality seismic data acquisition program, which encompasses the awarded block, laying the basis for accelerated further evaluation. Eni directly operates the Peri-Mahakam and Makassar Strait blocks.
Covering a large area in the deepwater sector of 1,000-2,500 meters water depth of the Kutei Basin, the Sapukala offshore block’s acreage is adjacent to the Italian firm’s existing operated and participated blocks and close to the future North Hub developments, now operated by Searah, a joint venture between Eni (50%) and Petronas (50%),
These developments include the Geng North , Gehem , Gula , and Geliga gas and condensate discoveries with more than 14 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in place and 800,000 barrels (bbls) of condensate.
With a portfolio of 19 gas-producing and development assets, including 14 in Indonesia and five in Malaysia, Searah is producing around 350,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boe/d), aiming to exceed 500,000 boe/d of sustainable production by 2028.