Italian energy company Eni has announced a major natural gas discovery offshore Indonesia after drilling the Geliga-1 exploration well in the prolific Kutei Basin, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s most important emerging gas production hubs.
The Geliga-1 well, located in the Ganal Block approximately 70 kilometers off the coast of East Kalimantan, is estimated to contain around 5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas in place and approximately 300 million barrels of condensate, according to preliminary assessments.
The discovery represents one of the largest recent gas finds in Indonesia and strengthens Eni’s growing portfolio of natural gas assets in the region.
Geliga-1 Adds to Growing Kutei Basin Gas Resources
Drilled to a depth of approximately 5,100 meters in waters around 2,000 meters deep, the Geliga-1 well encountered a substantial gas column within the Miocene geological formation. Eni reported that the reservoir exhibits excellent petrophysical characteristics, indicating strong potential for future commercial development.
A Drill Stem Test (DST) is planned to confirm reservoir productivity and support development planning.
The discovery follows a series of successful exploration campaigns by Eni in the Kutei Basin, including the giant Geng North gas discovery announced in 2023 and the Konta-1 discovery reported in late 2025.
Together, these discoveries continue to highlight the basin’s significant untapped gas potential and its growing importance to Indonesia’s long-term energy strategy.
Potential for New Production Hub and LNG Expansion
The Geliga discovery is strategically located near existing and planned gas infrastructure, creating opportunities for accelerated development and lower project costs.
Eni said the field is adjacent to the undeveloped Gula gas discovery, which contains an estimated 2 Tcf of gas and 75 million barrels of condensate. Combined, the Geliga and Gula discoveries could support production of approximately 1 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bscfd) of gas and 80,000 barrels per day of condensate.
The scale of the resources opens the possibility of developing a third production hub in the Kutei Basin, complementing Eni’s ongoing North Hub and South Hub developments.
The company is also evaluating opportunities to increase liquefaction capacity at Indonesia’s Bontang LNG facility, potentially extending the operational life of one of the country’s key liquefied natural gas export plants.
Eni Accelerates Indonesia Gas Development Strategy
The discovery comes shortly after Eni reached Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) for several major Indonesian gas projects, including the Gendalo and Gandang fields in the South Hub and the Geng North and Gehem developments in the North Hub.
The North Hub project will be supported by a new Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel capable of handling up to 1 Bscfd of gas and 90,000 barrels per day of condensate, while utilizing existing LNG infrastructure at Bontang.
Industry analysts view the integrated development approach as a key advantage for accelerating production while minimizing capital expenditure.
Searah Joint Venture to Drive Southeast Asia Growth
The Ganal Production Sharing Contract (PSC), where Geliga-1 was discovered, is operated by Eni with an 82% interest, while Sinopec holds the remaining 18%.
The block is expected to become part of Searah, a new jointly controlled company formed by Eni and Petronas. Announced in November 2025, Searah will combine upstream assets across Indonesia and Malaysia to create one of Southeast Asia’s largest independent energy portfolios.
The venture plans to develop approximately 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) of discovered resources while pursuing additional exploration opportunities throughout the region. Completion of the transaction is expected during the second quarter of 2026.
Indonesia Remains Core Market for Eni
Eni has operated in Indonesia since 2001 and maintains a diversified upstream portfolio spanning exploration, development and production activities.
The company currently produces approximately 90,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) in Indonesia, primarily from the Jangkrik and Merakes offshore gas fields in East Kalimantan.
With the Geliga-1 discovery, Eni further strengthens its position as one of Indonesia’s leading international energy investors while advancing the country’s ambitions to increase natural gas production and LNG exports in the coming decades.
Key Facts: Eni’s Geliga-1 Discovery
- Location: Ganal Block, Kutei Basin, offshore East Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Estimated Resources: 5 Tcf of gas in place
- Condensate Resources: 300 million barrels
- Water Depth: Approximately 2,000 meters
- Total Well Depth: Approximately 5,100 meters
- Operator: Eni (82%), Partner: Sinopec (18%)
- Potential Production: Up to 1 Bscfd of gas and 80,000 bpd of condensate when combined with nearby Gula discovery
- Strategic Importance: Supports expansion of Indonesia’s LNG and natural gas industry
