Eni announces start-up of gas production from the Maha field offshore Indonesia

Eni has announced the start of gas production from the Maha field in the Kutei Basin, offshore Indonesia, just 21 months after reaching its final investment decision (FID).

Located in the West Ganal block at a water depth of approximately 1,000 metres, the Maha field consists of two subsea production wells connected to the existing Jangkrik Floating Production Unit (FPU) through around 12 km of flowlines. After initial processing onboard the FPU, the gas will be transported through the pipeline network to supply Indonesia's domestic market and the Bontang liquefaction plant, which serves both domestic and international LNG markets.

With a production capacity of 250 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), Maha will increase combined output from the Jangkrik FPU and South Hub to a plateau of 750 MMSCFD. The planned start-up and connection of the Gendalo & Gendang project to the Jangkrik FPU in 2028 is expected to sustain this production level beyond the end of the decade.

Now operated by Searah, an independent upstream energy company established through a strategic partnership between Eni and PETRONAS, the Maha field represents another milestone in the development of the Kutei Basin. It also demonstrates Eni's capabilities in exploration and accelerated project execution.

Alongside the final investment decisions announced in March 2026 for the North Hub (Geng North & Gehem) and South Hub (Gendalo & Gendang) projects, Maha's timely development and start-up further demonstrate Eni's strategy to efficiently develop the gas resources discovered in Indonesia's Kutei Basin. This follows the start-up of Merakes East in May 2025 and supports Indonesia's long-term energy security and LNG export capacity.

Maha plays an important role in the South Hub development and the commercialisation of Indonesia's offshore gas resources. Its successful start-up also reflects the cooperation and shared commitment of all stakeholders, including Searah, its shareholders and SKK Migas, Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator.

Eni directly operates the Peri-Mahakam PSC, Makassar Strait PSC and the recently awarded Sapukala block. In October 2026, the company also signed two binding agreements to sell interests in selected Indonesian upstream assets operated by Searah to Pertamina and Medco.

Established in June 2026, Searah is equally owned by Eni and PETRONAS, with each holding a 50% stake. The company brings together their complementary portfolios, technical capabilities and regional expertise to create long-term value and achieve operational excellence across Indonesia and Malaysia.

Searah's portfolio consists of 19 gas-producing and development assets, including 14 in Indonesia and five in Malaysia. The company currently produces approximately 350 kboe/d and targets sustainable production of more than 500 kboe/d by 2028.