Enviro News Asia, Tangerang — Bahlil Lahadalia reaffirmed the Indonesian Government’s commitment to creating a fair and inclusive investment climate in the upstream oil and gas sector during the opening of the Indonesia Petroleum Association Convention and Exhibition (IPA Convex) 2026 in Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
Speaking before government officials, industry leaders, and energy stakeholders, Bahlil emphasized that the oil and gas sector remains one of the key pillars in addressing future energy security challenges amid growing global geopolitical and geo-economic uncertainties.
He stressed that collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to strengthening Indonesia’s energy resilience.
“We will implement equal treatment for all stakeholders involved in upstream oil and gas management policies, including state-owned enterprises, production sharing contract contractors, regional governments, and local businesses,” Bahlil stated.
According to the minister, all upstream oil and gas contractors contribute equally to national development and deserve fair treatment under government policies.
Bahlil also instructed SKK Migas to accelerate licensing and regulatory processes in order to improve the investment climate and support faster project realization.
“We must work hand in hand to resolve existing bottlenecks. If there are still delays despite regulatory reforms, please report them immediately,” he said.
The minister further encouraged greater participation of regional entrepreneurs in oil and gas projects within their respective areas, emphasizing the importance of inclusive economic development.
“Local businesses should become hosts in their own regions, as long as they are professional and capable,” Bahlil remarked.
In line with directives from President Prabowo Subianto, Bahlil also called on upstream oil and gas contractors to immediately fulfill Participating Interest (PI) obligations to regional governments in accordance with existing regulations.
During the event, the minister assured contractors that there would be no export quota cuts for gas commodities in 2026. He confirmed that all proposed export quotas had been approved and would remain valid throughout the year.
“There will be no reduction in export quotas this year. All export approvals have been signed, so there is no need for concern,” he stated.
The opening ceremony also featured the signing of eight Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) for oil and gas working areas awarded through the 2025 bidding round. The blocks include Gagah, Bintuni, Karunia, Drawa, Jalu, Southwest Andaman, Barong, and Nawasena.
In addition, Bahlil announced the identification of 118 potential new oil and gas blocks across Indonesia. The areas consist of 25 signed blocks, 43 blocks currently under joint study, and 50 additional areas with potential for future offerings, studies, and new data acquisition.
The government hopes these initiatives will strengthen Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas investment climate while supporting long-term national energy security and economic growth. (*)
