IPA Convex 2026: A Bridge Between Government and Industry, and a Momentum for Upstream Oil and Gas Investment
Tangerang, TopBusiness – The Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) Convex 2026 has officially ended. Over three days of activities from 20 to 22 May 2026, the flagship event for the upstream oil and gas sector successfully became a venue for a series of important agreements and for government–business collaboration, while serving as a timely momentum to boost upstream energy investment.
Kathy Wu, President of IPA, stated that the event was not merely an exhibition and a forum for discussion, but also produced tangible commitments for the development of the national energy sector.
During the three days, eight Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) were signed. In addition, 16 commercial agreements with a total potential value exceeding US$30 billion were signed. Furthermore, five CCS/CCUS development agreements were signed, alongside three government-to-government (G2G) collaborations strengthening cross-border energy cooperation.
IPA expressed appreciation to the Government of Indonesia, particularly the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and SKK Migas, for their support of the national upstream oil and gas industry.
She noted that during IPA Convex it was evident that energy is a foundational pillar of national development. ‘In the present era, we must work together to deliver energy that is safe, reliable and affordable for Indonesia in a world that is complex,’ said Kathy at the closing of IPA Convex 2026 on Friday 22 May 2026.
She also commended the various parties involved and supporting the smooth running of IPA Convex 2026, which has consistently served as a barometer of the Indonesian oil and gas industry’s development. According to Kathy, optimism is high, especially given the government’s release of latest information on opportunities in 118 areas believed to hold considerable potential.
‘We are very enthusiastic about the Minister’s announcement regarding the offering of 118 new blocks to investors, including blocks announced for tender by the Director-General this week,’ Kathy said.
One of the main highlights this year was the government’s announcement of its plan to offer 118 new oil and gas blocks to investors, including several blocks announced for tender this week.
IPA Convex 2026 also serves as a moment to reflect on Indonesia’s long-energy journey, while highlighting challenges and new opportunities for the future, including technological developments and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on global energy demand.
In addition to discussions on technology and investment, considerable attention was given to the next generation in the energy sector. The presence of students, young engineers, and young geoscientists is seen as a positive signal for the future of the national energy industry. ‘After Convex, what we do next will be crucial,’ emphasised Kathy.
Enthusiasm at IPA Convex continues to rise. IPA Convex 2026 hosted more than 200 exhibitors and over 200 technical presentations covering a range of strategic issues in the energy sector, from exploration and technology to energy transition and upstream investment.
Teresita Listiyani, Chairperson of IPA Convex 2026, revealed that the main event series would be opened on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 with an inauguration ceremony by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia. The inaugural programme includes the signing of several strategic contracts.
She noted that in addition to the exhibition and main conference, IPA Convex 2026 featured a range of strategic forums such as Plenary Session, Concurrent Session and Innovative Energy Solutions, which bring together government, global energy companies, investors and technology providers to discuss solutions to address future energy challenges. ‘IPA Convex is a platform that yields real collaboration and accelerates investment, particularly in Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas sector, which still holds enormous potential,’ said Teresita.
This year’s organising committee also hosted a Journalist Writing Competition running from January to 21 May 2026, with winners including: 1st Rio Indrawan of Dunia Energi for ‘Orchestration to Light Masela’s Eternal Project’; 2nd Ridwan Harahap of OG Indonesia for ‘Not Just a Source of State Revenue, Upstream Oil and Gas Drives Multiplier Effect Many Times Over in the Community’; 3rd Dani Jumadil Akhir of Okezone.com for ‘Keeping the Nation Alive: Upstream Oil and Gas and the Bet on Indonesia’s Energy Future.’
There was strong enthusiasm from attendees at IPA Convex this year. Organisers recorded exhibitor numbers increasing from 216 in 2025 to 233 in 2026. Delegates rose from 3,005 to 3,326, while the number of participating countries grew from 15 to 20. This demonstrates growing international interest and participation in Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas industry.
IPA Convex 2026 also recorded a significant rise in total visitors to 37,323, up from 32,016 the previous year. The number of journalists covering the event rose from 316 to 326, while student participation increased notably from 1,786 in 2025 to 2,550 in 2026. Sponsorship also increased from 36 to 39 companies, reflecting growing industry support for the largest oil and gas convention and exhibition in Indonesia.
This year, IPA Convex received support from a range of national and global energy companies across several sponsorship categories.