Russian oil and gas company Zarubezhneft has confirmed its continued participation in the Tuna Block project located offshore north of Natuna Island, Riau Islands province, dispelling previous rumors suggesting the company's withdrawal due to geopolitical pressures.
Djoko Siswanto, Head of Indonesia’s Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Task Force (SKK Migas), confirmed that Zarubezhneft still holds a 50 percent participating interest in the Tuna Block.
“Russia is not pulling out − they’re staying,” Djoko said during the inauguration of the Banyu Urip Infill Clastic project operated by ExxonMobil Cepu Limited in Bojonegoro, East Java, on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Currently, Zarubezhneft is in the process of seeking a replacement contractor for Premier Oil Tuna B.V., a subsidiary of Harbour Energy, which holds the remaining 50 percent stake.
“They are looking for a partner this year to continue the project and replace Harbour at Tuna,” Djoko added.
This clarification contradicts earlier reports that Zarubezhneft was planning to exit the Tuna Block. In mid-2023, Zarubezhneft, through its subsidiary ZN Asia Limited, had obtained a data access permit from Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) − typically a precursor to divestment. The move was reportedly influenced by EU and UK sanctions on Russian entities following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2023, which also affected the Tuna Block’s development timeline.
At a meeting with SKK Migas in early 2023, Harbour Energy had expressed concerns over ongoing sanctions, signaling its intent to step back from the project.
Djoko’s remarks also coincide with renewed Russian interest in expanding its footprint in Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas sector. During a bilateral meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg on June 19, 2025 President Vladimir Putin offered broader cooperation in Indonesia’s offshore oil and gas projects.
“We are ready to participate in new offshore projects and help modernize infrastructure to boost output from Indonesia’s mature fields,” Putin said as broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on June 19, 2025.
President Prabowo responded positively, noting the growing strength of Indonesia–Russia relations.
“Our diplomatic meeting was productive and progressive − across all sectors including economy, trade, investment, and agriculture. Significant progress has been made,” he said.
Zarubezhneft’s continued role in the Tuna Block underscores Russia’s long-term interest in Indonesia’s energy sector and reflects the potential for deeper bilateral cooperation in upstream oil and gas development.
Already have an account? Sign In
-
Start reading
Freemium
-
Monthly Subscription
20% OFF$29.75
$37.19/MonthCancel anytime
This offer is open to all new subscribers!
Subscribe now -
Yearly Subscription
33% OFF$228.13
$340.5/YearCancel anytime
This offer is open to all new subscribers!
Subscribe now
Set up email notifications for these topics
