The current challenges for the upstream oil and gas industry lie not only in technical aspects, but also in investment requirements and high exploration risks.

Bogor, W Java (Indonesia Window) – The current global geopolitical condition is a serious challenge for Indonesia, especially in achieving national energy security. Moreover, Indonesia still depends on imports to meet its domestic energy needs.

In the midst of this situation, the Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA), which is an association of players in the upstream oil and gas sector in Indonesia, is again holding an 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.' This event will take place on Wednesday-Friday, 20–22 May 2026, at Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD City, Tangerang City, Banten Province.

"The current global situation shows that the energy supply chain is very vulnerable to geopolitical turmoil. Indonesia needs to anticipate this by strengthening domestic production so that it is not too dependent on imports," IPA Executive Director, Marjolijn Wajong, told a press conference - Road to IPA Convex 2026, in Jakarta, Tuesday (May 12).

The current global geopolitical dynamics should provide momentum for Indonesia to strengthen national energy security by increasing domestic oil and gas production, she said.

According to her, Indonesia still has a big opportunity to increase national oil and gas production. More than 50 percent of oil and gas basins in Indonesia are currently unexplored, although most of them are in eastern Indonesia and deep sea areas which require high technology and large investments.

Marjolijn said that the current challenges for the upstream oil and gas industry lie not only in technical aspects, but also in investment requirements and high exploration risks. Therefore, consistent government policies, legal certainty, accelerated licensing, and a competitive fiscal scheme are the main keys in attracting investors.

"Discovering new reserves is key. It is not enough to just rely on projects that are already underway. More aggressive exploration and close collaboration between the government and industry players are needed," she remarked.

On the same occasion, chair of the 2026 IPA Convex Committee, Teresita Listyani, added that holding the 50th IPA Convex this year was 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 government, industry players, investors, academics and the younger generation in supporting national energy security and creating an increasingly competitive investment climate," Teresita said.

IPA Convex 2026 would present more than 200 exhibitors and more than 200 technical presentations covering various strategic issues in the energy sector, starting from exploration, technology, energy transition, to upstream oil and gas investment, she noted.

The main series of events will open on Wednesday, May 20 2026, through an inauguration ceremony planned to be led by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia.

The various inauguration agendas include the signing of a number of strategic contracts, reports from the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, as well as VIP visits to the exhibition area.

IPA Convex 2026 also presents various strategic forums such as plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, and Innovative Energy Solutions which bring together governments, global energy companies, investors, and technology providers to discuss solutions to face future energy challenges.

"We want IPA Convex to become a platform that produces real collaboration and encourages accelerated investment, especially in Indonesia's upstream oil and gas sector which still has enormous potential," Teresita added.

To strengthen media involvement in IPA Convex 2026, she said, this year's committee is holding a Journalist Writing Competition, runninga from January to May 21, 2026.

Reporting by Indonesia Window