Timor-Leste—what comes to mind when you hear the name? Perhaps the palm-lined beaches, or maybe the resilience of a nation that fought so hard for independence. But beneath the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea lies a story still unfolding—a story written in oil and ambition. And that’s where Finder Energy comes into the picture.

Timor-Leste's Oil Legacy and the Need for New Opportunities

Timor-Leste’s story has always been intertwined with the vast resources buried beneath its seabed. While many nations have the luxury of diversified economies, Timor-Leste has long depended on its petroleum sector for national growth and development. In the early days, fields like Bayu-Undan in the Timor Sea churned out significant wealth. The oil from these reserves played a vital role in advancing development—fueling everything from telecommunications expansion to agricultural initiatives designed to rejuvenate rural economies.

But oil fields don't last forever and as the Bayu-Undan field nears depletion, Timor-Leste faces a crucial question: what’s next? Many fields are no longer producing at the levels they once did and this decline places even more importance on finding and developing new fields before the economy starts to feel the pinch. This is precisely where Kuda Tasi and Jahal, acquired by Finder Energy, enter the picture.

Why Kuda Tasi and Jahal Matter: A Glimpse Beneath the Surface

The Kuda Tasi and Jahal oil fields are the hidden treasures of Timor-Leste. Discovered but left largely unexploited, these fields hold the promise of keeping Timor-Leste’s oil production steady and profitable for years to come. But do these fields live up to hype?

Kuda Tasi and Jahal sit within Timor-Leste’s Production Sharing Contract (PSC) TL-SO-T 19-11. These fields were previously owned by ENI and Inpex but have now been handed over to Finder Energy with a 76% stake, while Timor-Leste’s national oil company, TIMOR GAP, holds the remaining 24%. The fields have a large potential to produce high-quality oil that could flow steadily for many years, ensuring that Timor-Leste doesn't simply rely on diminishing fields. But it’s not just about drilling—there’s extensive work ahead.

Before oil extraction can even begin, Finder Energy is conducting a thorough process of geological evaluation. This isn't new for Finder, a company that has made its mark by focusing on underexplored regions, using advanced technologies to identify oil deposits where others may have overlooked. In the case of the Kuda Tasi and Jahal fields, Finder is applying sophisticated seismic imaging techniques to map the reservoirs beneath the seabed. These techniques help determine not just the quantity of oil, but also the structure and pressure of the reservoirs, key factors that influence how efficiently the oil can be extracted. It’s meticulous, methodical work—work that Finder Energy has built its reputation on—ensuring that when the drilling starts, every step is optimised for both success and sustainability.

The Significance of this Deal: Beyond Business, A Broader Impact

Let’s break it down. Finder Energy isn’t just buying into an oil field. They’re investing in the future of Timor-Leste. Imagine a country that, until recently, relied on a single oil field for a huge chunk of its revenue. The acquisition of Kuda Tasi and Jahal means that Timor-Leste will soon have new streams of oil revenue. For Finder Energy, this isn't just another business transaction. It's an investment in the country’s future, in its capacity to grow beyond its current limitations.

For Timor-Leste, the stakes are equally high. The oil extracted from Kuda Tasi and Jahal will be more than just numbers on a balance sheet—it will be directly tied to the advancement of entire sectors of the economy. Imagine the new generation of Timorese engineers and technicians, men and women who once might have moved to Australia or Indonesia for opportunities, now staying to work on their homeland's oil projects. These fields could lead to training programs, educational scholarships, and even partnerships with international universities, preparing Timor-Leste’s youth for careers in a variety of technical fields with broader economic benefits following on.

The Bigger Picture: A Thriving Oil Industry with a Human Face

Think about the broader implications. When oil starts flowing from the Kuda Tasi and Jahal fields, the benefits will ripple far beyond corporate boardrooms. 

Imagine a small construction firm in Dili that gets a contract to build new housing for oil field workers. Or an entrepreneur who starts a logistics company to transport equipment to offshore drilling platforms. These are the real, tangible effects of an oil industry that’s more than just pipelines and rigs.

At the heart of this lies a vision of growth that reaches societies. Finder Energy and TIMOR GAP are working in unison to ensure that Timor-Leste’s oil wealth benefits not just foreign investors, but the people of Timor-Leste themselves. 

Moving Forward: An Era of Renewed Optimism

We’re witnessing a crucial moment for Timor-Leste. The question isn’t just about who owns the oil, but who benefits from it. The partnership between Finder Energy and TIMOR GAP  is a model for how smaller nations, rich in resources but in need of development, can partner with experienced energy companies to build a brighter future.

What’s next for Timor-Leste? The fields of Kuda Tasi and Jahal represent more than just oil—they symbolise the nation’s determination to chart a new course built on energy security and independence. As development progresses, it’s not only about extracting resources but also about building a diversified economy where Timor-Leste stands tall on the global stage, fueled by the resilience of its people and the partnerships it forges. Oil will flow, yes, as will opportunity, knowledge, and innovation. And that’s the real story beneath the waves of the Timor Sea. And who knows? Maybe that young man from the coastal village will one day be the one drilling that first barrel of oil from the Kuda Tasi field—turning history into the future.