IPA Convex 2026 Fosters Collaboration Between Government and Business Actors, Creating Momentum to Enhance Investment Enthusiasm in the Upstream Oil and Gas Sectors.
The 50th IPA Convention and Exhibition ("IPA Convex 2026") has officially concluded. The three-day event, held from May 20 to 22, 2026, successfully hosted numerous important agreements and collaborations between the government and business players while also providing an opportune moment to boost investment in the upstream oil and gas sector.
Kathy Wu, president of IPA, stated that the event served not only as an exhibition and discussion platform but also as a concrete commitment to national energy development.
During the three-day event, eight Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) were signed. In addition, 16 commercial agreements were signed with a total potential value of over US$30 billion.
Additionally, five agreements were made for developing carbon capture storage and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCS/CCUS), along with three partnerships between governments, which will enhance cooperation in the energy sector across borders.
IPA commends the Indonesian government, particularly the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas (SKK Migas), for their support of the national upstream oil and gas industry.
She stated that during IPA Convex, she truly felt that energy is a vital foundation for national development. "Today, we must work together to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy for Indonesia in a complex world," Kathy said at the closing of IPA Convex 2026 on Friday (May 22, 2026).
She also expressed her appreciation for the various parties involved and their support for the smooth running of IPA Convex 2026, which has always been a barometer for the development of the oil and gas industry in Indonesia. According to Kathy, the high level of optimism is now even more palpable, especially since the government has released the latest information on opportunities in 118 areas believed to have significant potential.
"We are very enthusiastic about the minister's announcement regarding the offering of 118 new blocks to investors, including the blocks announced for tender by the director general this week," Kathy said.
One of the main highlights of this year's IPA Convex was the government's announcement regarding its plan to offer 118 new oil and gas blocks to investors, including several blocks announced for tender this week.
IPA Convex 2026 also served as a moment to reflect on the long journey of Indonesia's energy industry, highlighting new challenges and opportunities for the future, including technological developments and the impact of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution on global energy needs.
The conference also focused significantly on the younger generation in the energy sector, in addition to discussions on technology and investment. The presence of students, young engineers, and young geoscientists signaled a positive sign for the future of the national energy industry. "After this Convex, what we do next will be crucial," Kathy emphasized.
IPA Convex Enthusiasm Grows
IPA Convex 2026 features over 200 exhibitors and over 200 technical presentations covering a variety of strategic issues in the energy sector, from exploration and technology to energy transition and upstream oil and gas investment.
Teresita Listiyani, Chairperson of IPA Convex 2026, revealed that the main series of events will open on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with the inauguration ceremony of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia. The inauguration agenda includes the signing of several strategic contracts.
She explained that in addition to the main exhibition and conference, IPA Convex 2026 will also feature various strategic forums such as a Plenary Session, Concurrent Session, and Innovative Energy Solutions, which will bring together governments, global energy companies, investors, and technology providers to discuss solutions to future energy challenges. "IPA Convex is a platform that fosters real collaboration and encourages accelerated investment, particularly in Indonesia's upstream oil and gas sector, which still holds enormous potential," said Teresita.
This year's committee also held a journalist writing competition, running from January to May 21, 2026. The winners included Rio Indrawan from Dunia Energi's first-place paper, "Orchestration: Igniting the Masela Eternal Project." Ridwan Harahap from OG Indonesia won second place with "Not Just a Source of State Revenue, the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry Triggers a Multiplier Effect Many Times Over in the Community." Dani Jumadil Akhir from Okezone.com won third place with "Keeping the Nation's Flames Alive: Upstream Oil and Gas and the Stakes for Indonesia's Energy Future."
The high level of enthusiasm was demonstrated by the turnout at this year's IPA Convex. Organizers recorded an increase in the number of exhibitors, or participants, from 216 companies in 2025 to 233 companies in 2026. In terms of delegate participation, the number of delegates rose from 3,005 to 3,326, while the number of countries representing delegates increased from 15 to 20. This demonstrates growing international interest and participation in Indonesia's upstream oil and gas industry.
IPA Convex 2026 recorded a significant increase, with a total of 37,323 visitors, up from 32,016 visitors the previous year. The number of journalists covering the event also increased from 316 to 326. Student participation saw a significant increase, from 1,786 students in 2025 to 2,550 students in 2026. This increase demonstrates the growing involvement of the younger generation in the national energy and oil and gas industry.
The number of sponsors also increased from 36 to 39 companies, demonstrating growing industry support for Indonesia's largest oil and gas convention and exhibition.
This year, IPA Convex 2026 received support from various national and global energy companies across several sponsorship categories. The Titanium Sponsor category includes PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, Mubadala Energy, and bp Indonesia. The Platinum Sponsor category includes MedcoEnergi, PETRONAS Indonesia, ExxonMobil Indonesia, PT Energi Mega Persada Tbk (EMP), KUFPEC, S&P Global Energy, and SK Innovation. The Gold Sponsor category includes INPEX, Jadestone Energy, McDermott, Accenture Indonesia, and JAPEX. The Silver Sponsor category includes PT Donggi Senoro LNG, SLB, Harbour Energy, and Subsea7.
