Indonesia has launched a tender for eight new oil and gas exploration blocks as Southeast Asia’s largest economy steps up efforts to boost domestic hydrocarbon reserves and reverse a long-term decline in production.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, companies can submit bids until February 5, 2026 for a mix of onshore and offshore assets. The blocks on offer include Tapah, Nawasena, Mabelo, Arwana III, Tuah Tanah, Rangkas, Akimeugah I, and Akimeugah II.
The newly tendered acreage is estimated to contain billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of gas, supporting Indonesia’s ambition to reduce its reliance on energy imports and strengthen long-term supply security.
The tender is part of a broader strategy to unlock Indonesia’s upstream potential by offering more than 100 previously untapped oil and gas basins to domestic and international investors. Despite its vast resource base, Indonesia has developed only 20 of its 128 identified basins, according to Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung.
Indonesia is targeting a significant uplift in output, aiming to nearly double crude oil production to 1 million barrels per day (bpd). Current production stands at around 600,000 bpd, reflecting years of underinvestment and natural decline in mature fields.
To support exploration activity, the government is increasing funding for its Geological Agency, which is conducting advanced 2D and 3D seismic surveys to improve subsurface data quality and reduce exploration risk for investors.
“Our shared vision is clear: by 2029, Indonesia will achieve its production target of 1 million barrels of oil per day, boost energy security, and advance sustainable development,” Yuliot said at a recent investment promotion event.
In parallel, Indonesia has prepared 75 additional oil and gas blocks across Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Papua, and offshore areas for future auctions and concessions. Nine blocks have already been awarded, with more expected to follow as the government accelerates its upstream licensing programme.