Eni awarded 100% Sapukala exploration licence in Kutei Basin
- Eni secured 100% participating interest in the Sapukala block in the Kutei Basin via the first Indonesia Petroleum Bidding Round 2026.
- Sapukala is a large deep-water block (1,000–2,500 m) adjacent to Eni’s existing acreage and near North Hub discoveries with over 14 Tcf gas in place and 800 Mbbls of condensate.
- Eni completed a new high-quality seismic acquisition covering Sapukala to accelerate evaluation of the block.
- Since June 2026 Eni and Petronas each own 50% of Searah, which holds 19 gas-producing and development assets and produces around 350 kboe/d, targeting more than 500 kboe/d by 2028.
Licence award
Eni was awarded the Sapukala block with 100% participating interest in the Kutei Basin as part of the first Indonesia Petroleum Bidding Round 2026, following a joint study with an Indonesian academic institution and participation in the direct offer bid round.
Block and resource context
The Sapukala offshore block covers a large deep-water area (1,000–2,500 m) in East Kalimantan, is adjacent to Eni’s existing operated and participated blocks, and lies close to the future North Hub developments now operated by Searah (Eni 50%, Petronas 50%), which include the Geng North, Gehem, Gula and Geliga discoveries totaling more than 14 Tcf of gas in place and 800 Mbbls of condensate.
Data and evaluation
Eni has completed a new high-quality seismic data acquisition programme that includes the Sapukala block, providing the basis for accelerated further evaluation of the acreage.
Regional position and JV
Eni has been present in Indonesia since 2001 and directly operates the Peri-Mahakam and Makassar Strait blocks; since June 2026 Eni and Petronas each hold 50% of the Searah company, which has a portfolio of 19 gas-producing and development assets (14 in Indonesia and 5 in Malaysia) producing around 350 kboe/d and aiming to exceed 500 kboe/d of sustainable production by 2028.
Source: Eni