Indonesia and Russia deepen energy partnership, reviving oil block and exploring nuclear power

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) confirmed that Russian oil and gas company Zarubezhneft will resume work on the Block Tuna project in June, after the previous partner Harbour Energy withdrew. Zarubezhneft, which acquired a 50% participating interest in the Natuna Sea Block Tuna via its subsidiary ZN Asia Ltd in 2020, said it remains committed to the project and the government pledged support.

During the 14th Indonesia‑Russia Joint Commission meeting in Kazan, officials discussed expanding cooperation across the energy sector, including oil and gas, LNG, LPG, renewable energy and the development of small modular nuclear reactors. Deputy Minister Yuliot highlighted plans for two nuclear units totalling 500 MW and the ongoing Grass Root Refinery project in Tuban. President Prabowo Subianto also met with Rosatom director Alexey Likhachev to discuss long‑term nuclear partnerships and technology transfer.

The talks aim to bolster Indonesia’s energy security, increase domestic production, and support the transition to cleaner energy sources.