Eni has expanded its position in East Kalimantan’s Kutei Basin in Indonesia after being awarded 100% interest in the East Ganal deepwater exploration block.

Covering about 5,100 sq km (1,969 sq miles), the block is a new “gross split” production-sharing contract (PSC) and adjoins the Eni-operated Muara Bakau and East Sepinggan PSCs in the Makassar Strait offshore East Kalimantan, Eni said in a news release.

The company also said its plan of development for the Merakes discovery in the East Sepinggan PSCs was approved in April. “This further development project, using existing Jangkrik and Bontang facilities, will allow an increase in the availability and flexibility of gas supply both for the domestic market and for export, as well as strengthening Eni’s position in the LNG market in Asia,” Eni said.