To achieve this, the government will implement equal treatment across its upstream regulatory policies, balancing the interests of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), production sharing contractors (PSCs), regional governments, and local entrepreneurs.
"I will emphasize equal treatment. While state support for SOEs is important, it is far more critical to consider the interests of all parties involved," Bahlil said at the 2026 Indonesian Petroleum Association Convention and Exhibition (IPA Convex) in Tangerang on Wednesday, May 20.
Private contractors provide an equal contribution to the development of the nation, Bahlil said.
Bahlil noted that the upstream oil and gas sector remains a crucial pillar for mitigating future energy crises amid global geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties.
Comprehensive collaboration between the public and private sectors is key to securing national energy security, he added.
Consequently, Bahlil instructed the upstream oil and gas regulator, SKK Migas, to expedite business licensing.
"We must work together to resolve these bottlenecks. I ask SKK Migas to implement reforms and regulations that accelerate our progress,” he said.
The minister also called for regional oil and gas entrepreneurs to be given equal opportunities to lead projects in their respective areas.
"Regional entrepreneurs must collaborate; not all contractors need to come from Jakarta. Let local people become masters in their own home, provided they are professional,” he stated.
In line with directives from President Prabowo Subianto, Bahlil urged PSCs to immediately transfer mandatory participating interests to regional governments, in accordance with existing regulations.
Addressing investor concerns, Bahlil assured contractors that there will be no cuts to export quotas this year, particularly for natural gas.
All proposed export quotas have been approved and will remain valid through the end of the year, he emphasized.
During the event, Bahlil witnessed the signing of production sharing contracts for eight oil and gas blocks from the 2025 bidding round, which include the Gagah, Bintuni, Karunia, Drawa, Jalu, Southwest Andaman, Barong, and Nawasena working areas.
He also announced 118 potential new oil and gas blocks, including 25 blocks with signed contracts, 43 blocks currently undergoing joint studies, and 50 other areas open for bidding, technical assessment, and new data acquisition.
Related news: Indonesia launches auctions for 13 new oil and gas blocks
Related news: Upstream oil and gas excluded from regulation on export reform: Bahlil
Translator: Kelik Dewanto, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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