RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sari Yuliati, has welcomed the discovery of massive natural gas reserves in the offshore areas of East Kalimantan. She said the finding shows that the government’s policy of accelerating exploration while strengthening existing oil and gas reserves is on the right track.

“We support the government’s steps to accelerate the development of the national energy sector. This is tangible proof of its commitment to strengthening the nation’s energy independence, which is beginning to pay off,” Sari said on Monday, April 27, 2026.

She noted that Indonesia is not only managing gas for short‑term needs but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable energy future. “Aligning the development of this huge gas field with the green energy transition agenda and the 2060 Net Zero Emissions (NZE) target is the right move,” she said.

Sari added that the development of the Ganal Block provides tangible benefits for producing regions and local communities. In her view, revenue from hydrocarbons must be managed transparently to ensure it reaches the intended beneficiaries.

“It should be directed toward improving infrastructure, public services, and the quality of life for communities in producing regions,” she said. Sari hopes that this discovery will serve as a strong foundation for national energy independence.

The discovery was first announced by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia. The reserves were found in the Geliga‑1 Well of the Ganal Block, explored by Italy’s Eni SpA and China’s Sinopec Corp.

The estimated potential is 5 trillion cubic feet of gas, plus 300 million barrels of condensate. “While the world is striving to preserve its reserves, we have been blessed with enormous oil and gas potential,” said Minister Bahlil. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)