Eni has secured a 100 per cent participating interest in the Sapukala offshore block in Indonesia’s Kutei Basin through the first Indonesia Petroleum Bidding Round 2026.

Located in East Kalimantan, the deep-water block covers water depths of 1,000 to 2,500 metres and is adjacent to Eni’s existing operated and participating acreage.

It is also close to the North Hub developments operated by Searah, Eni’s 50-50 venture with Petronas, which includes the Geng North, Gehem, Gula and Geliga gas and condensate discoveries.

Eni said the Sapukala acreage is highly prospective based on a joint study conducted with an Indonesian academic institution.

The company has also completed a new seismic acquisition programme covering the block, supporting further evaluation.

Eni has operated in Indonesia since 2001 and currently holds interests in the Peri-Mahakam and Makassar Strait blocks.

Since June 2026, its Searah partnership with Petronas has combined complementary portfolios across Indonesia and Malaysia.

Searah has 19 gas-producing and development assets and currently produces around 350,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with ambitions to exceed 500,000 boe/d by 2028. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service