Energy minister meets oil and gas chiefs to push Indonesia’s 2026 lifting target

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has met with top executives from upstream oil and gas companies as the government moves to optimize efforts to meet Indonesia’s 2026 lifting target.

During the discussion, Bahlil praised upstream production-sharing contractors (KKKS) for their efforts to improve output, which helped the country reach its 2025 crude oil lifting target of 605,000 barrels per day.

“To all KKKS leaders and your teams, you are the lifting heroes for 2025. On behalf of the government, I thank all KKKS for your contribution and hard work in achieving our 2025 lifting target of 605.3 thousand barrels per day,” Bahlil said at the CEO Forum Early 2026 in Jakarta on Friday (Jan. 30).

In a statement released by the Energy Ministry on Sunday, Bahlil underscored the importance of two-way communication between the government as regulator and KKKS as field operators, saying closer coordination is needed to harmonize policies and execution so lifting targets can be met.

“KKKS are on the front line, and the government has a major stake in how we increase lifting. KKKS execute in the field; we regulate. The question is how we tune this into one, so the rhythm runs in sync,” he said.

Bahlil added that the Energy Ministry, together with the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKK Migas), would continue to assist KKKS in improving performance to help deliver the lifting target.

The ministry, he said, would ensure regulations are implemented properly while also cutting bureaucracy and overseeing faster licensing—particularly permits involving other ministries and agencies.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) president Kathy Wu said the industry hopes the government will maintain consistency and commitment in enforcing oil and gas regulations, arguing that stable rules are critical for projects to be executed effectively.

She also expressed support for meeting the government’s Asta Cita targets in the energy sector.

“When a project enters the operations stage, it is crucial that government regulations remain the same, because that protects operations and gives projects the room and focus to execute. We will continue to support the government in realizing Asta Cita in the energy sector,” Kathy said.

ExxonMobil Indonesia president Wade Floyd also thanked the government for its support, which he said helped the company reach an oil production target of 150,000 barrels per day.

Looking ahead, he said ExxonMobil expects continued government support, particularly in completing licensing processes.

“We hope to collaborate to ensure ExxonMobil can obtain permits as quickly as possible, so production increases can happen faster,” Wade said.

Closing the dialogue, Bahlil said he hopes collaboration between the government and KKKS will remain strong so lifting can continue to rise and meet targets—especially this year.

“Thank you for your input. I ask for your support so we can keep collaborating to increase lifting and carry out our tasks going forward in 2026,” the minister said.

Indonesianpost.com | Antara