Jakarta, 12 May 2026 – The current global geopolitical situation presents a serious challenge for Indonesia, particularly in achieving national energy security. It has the potential to create risks to the national energy supply, especially since Indonesia still relies on energy imports to meet its domestic needs. This situation underscores the need for collaboration between the government and industry players to strengthen national energy resilience, through increased production and accelerated exploration in the upstream oil and gas sector.

The Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA), the association of upstream oil and gas industry players in Indonesia, is once again holding its annual conference and exhibition known as the IPA Convention and Exhibition ("IPA Convex"). This year, IPA Convex is being held for the 50th time under the theme "50 Years of Energy Partnership: Shaping the Next Era for Advancing Growth." The event will take place on Wednesday–Friday, 20–22 May 2026, at ICE BSD City, Tangerang.

"The current global situation shows that energy supply chains are highly vulnerable to geopolitical turbulence. Indonesia needs to anticipate this by strengthening domestic production so as not to be overly dependent on imports," said IPA Executive Director Marjolijn Wajong at the Press Conference – Road to IPA Convex 2026, in Jakarta, Tuesday (12/5/2026).

She added that current global geopolitical dynamics must serve as a momentum for Indonesia to strengthen national energy security through increased domestic oil and gas production. According to her, Indonesia still has great opportunities to boost national oil and gas output. More than 50 percent of Indonesia's oil and gas basins remain unexplored, though most are located in eastern Indonesia and deep-sea areas that require advanced technology and large investments.

She noted that the challenges facing the upstream oil and gas industry today lie not only in technical aspects, but also in investment needs and the high risks of exploration. Therefore, consistent government policy, legal certainty, accelerated licensing, and competitive fiscal schemes are key to attracting investors. "Discovering new reserves is crucial. It is not enough to rely solely on existing projects. More aggressive exploration and close collaboration between the government and industry players are needed," she said.

Teresita Listyani, Chair of the IPA Convex 2026 Organizing Committee, who was also present, added that the 50th edition of IPA Convex is not only a reflection of the long journey of the national upstream oil and gas industry, but also a strategic forum to discuss the future of Indonesia's energy security. "IPA Convex is an important momentum to strengthen collaboration between the government, industry players, investors, academics, and the younger generation in supporting national energy security and creating an increasingly competitive investment climate," said Teresita.

She explained that IPA Convex 2026 will feature more than 200 exhibitors and over 200 technical presentations covering a wide range of strategic energy issues, from exploration, technology, and energy transition to upstream oil and gas investment.

The main series of events will open on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, with an inauguration ceremony planned to be led by President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia. The inauguration agenda includes the signing of several strategic contracts, a report from the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, and VIP visits to the exhibition area.

In addition to the main exhibition and conference, IPA Convex 2026 will also host various strategic forums such as a Plenary Session, Concurrent Sessions, and Innovative Energy Solutions, bringing together governments, global energy companies, investors, and technology providers to discuss solutions to future energy challenges. "We want IPA Convex to be a platform that produces real collaboration and drives accelerated investment, particularly in Indonesia's upstream oil and gas sector, which still holds enormous potential," Teresita added.

To strengthen media engagement at IPA Convex 2026, she further noted that the committee this year is holding a Journalist Writing Competition running from January through 21 May 2026.

IPA Convex 2026 is supported by various national and global energy companies through several sponsorship categories. The Titanium Sponsor category includes PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, Mubadala Energy, and bp Indonesia. The Platinum Sponsor category is supported by MedcoEnergi, PETRONAS Indonesia, ExxonMobil Indonesia, PT Energi Mega Persada Tbk (EMP), KUFPEC, S&P Global Energy, and SK Innovation. The Gold Sponsor category features INPEX, Jadestone Energy, McDermott, Accenture Indonesia, and JAPEX. The Silver Sponsor category is supported by PT Donggi Senoro LNG, SLB, Harbour Energy, and Subsea7.

The support from these sponsors demonstrates the strong commitment of the energy industry to backing IPA Convex 2026 as the largest strategic upstream oil and gas event in Southeast Asia.

For further information, please contact: Posman Sianturi – IPA Communication Officer | posman.sianturi@ipa.or.id