Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Russia’s state-owned oil and gas company Zarubezhneft will lead the development of Indonesia’s Tuna Block, replacing UK-based Harbour Energy, announced SKK Migas Head Djoko Siswanto on Monday (21/7/2025).

“Zarubezhneft will work on the Tuna Block. They’re currently seeking new partners,” he said during a performance briefing in Jakarta.

SKK Migas is an Indonesian government institution responsible for managing upstream oil and gas business activities under Production Sharing Contracts.

Previously, Harbour Energy operated Tuna Block in partnership with Zarubezhneft's subsidiary, ZN Asia Ltd. However, U.S. sanctions against Russian entities forced Harbour to withdraw, despite its willingness to transfer all operational data. 

According to SKK Migas Deputy Rikky Rahmat Firdaus, the Indonesian government’s priority is ensuring Tuna Block meets its production targets. Zarubezhneft must now find a partner to replace Harbour’s stake before July’s divestment deadline.

Negotiations are underway, with multiple firms accessing the block’s data under NDA agreements. 

(mg/inp/pr/rs)