Foreign Media Spotlight Indonesia's Giant Gas Well Discovery, Say This

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Foreign media have spotlighted the discovery of a large natural gas deposit in Indonesia by Italian energy giant Eni. AFP news agency reported the find under the headline ‘Major’ Indonesian natural gas find announced on Tuesday (21/4/2026).

The report emphasised the significant potential of the discovery for the global energy sector. In an official statement, Eni revealed that the gas reserves are located approximately 70 kilometres off the coast of East Kalimantan, with estimates reaching 5 trillion cubic feet of gas and 300 million barrels of condensate.

AFP also reported that the company described the find as opening “significant new volumes for the domestic and international markets”. It was also noted that the Indonesian government has welcomed the news positively.

“This is a giant discovery. In addition to gas, by 2028 we will also produce around 90,000 barrels of condensate. And in 2029-2030, that amount could increase further to 150,000 barrels,” the report quoted Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia as saying.

“This discovery proves that Indonesia still has significant opportunities to optimise its oil and gas potential as a pillar of national energy security and efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency,” he added.

Eni’s gas production in Indonesia is projected to rise dramatically, from the current 600-700 MMSCFD to 2,000 MMSCFD by 2028, and even reaching 3,000 MMSCFD two years thereafter. The surge in condensate production is also expected to help reduce Indonesia’s oil imports.

Foreign media attention has also linked the discovery to the volatile global energy situation due to Middle East conflicts. Global oil prices are currently around US$100 per barrel, or approximately Rp1.7 million, far above Indonesia’s state budget assumption of US$70 per barrel, or about Rp1.19 million.

In this context, the government’s efforts to strengthen energy supplies are seen as increasingly strategic. President Prabowo Subianto has even actively explored energy cooperation with several countries. During his visit to Moscow, Prabowo met Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss potential long-term oil procurement.

“We don’t have specific figures, but this will be long-term for energy security,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela.