Navigating Exploration in the Oil and Gas Industry of Indonesia through Upstream Series

In 2026, the oil and gas industry’s AI revolution is no longer a forecast, it is an operational reality. The world’s largest energy companies have moved past experimentation, embedding AI into drill floors, control rooms, and thousands of kilometers of pipeline. The results are tangible: fewer equipment failures, lower costs, faster drilling cycles, and tighter emissions control.ExxonMobil was the first in the industry to deploy AI-driven closed-loop drilling automation in a deepwater setting, operating in Guyana where AI systems adjust drilling parameters in real time without human input. In the Permian Basin, machine learning has lifted shale well output by more than 5% and cut data preparation time by roughly 40%.BP has wired over two million sensors across assets in the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, and Oman, feeding data into digital twins and its in-house AURA system that simultaneously tracks operational inefficiencies and monitors carbon and methane emissions. The company reports drilling more wells annually as a direct result. Chevron, meanwhile, deploys AI-enabled drones over its Permian operations to detect methane leaks and equipment failures without putting personnel in hazardous zones. Shell applies machine learning to forecast equipment failures before they occur, while Saudi Aramco uses computer vision to monitor thousands of kilometers of pipelines for anomalies.The financial case is well-documented. Boston Consulting Group reports AI has cut operating costs by 15–20% and reduced key cycle times from months to weeks. McKinsey estimates predictive analytics alone lowers maintenance costs by up to 25%. At the field level, AI systems have prevented over 140 hours of unplanned downtime, protecting 1.6% of production uptime figures that translate directly into revenue.The global AI in oil and gas market was valued at USD 7.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to surpass USD 25 billion by 2034, growing at 14.2% annually. Upstream operations account for over half of all AI deployment, driven by the data-intensive nature of exploration and production. North America leads adoption, while Asia-Pacific is forecast as the fastest-growing region through 2031.The companies advancing fastest are not doing so simply to cut costs. They are responding to growing complexity: volatile markets, tightening emissions rules, aging infrastructure, and the sheer volume of real-time data across global assets. Managing all of that with human judgment alone has become impractical. In 2026, AI is not the future of oil and gas. It is the present. Writer: Akhirian Taka

Recognizing the alarming statistics of self-harm and suicide, often associated with mental health challenges, and understanding the significance of physical health in shaping individual well-being, the Community Outreach Division of SPE ITS SC has taken initiative by organizing a seminar titled "HEAL: Healthy Empowerment and Active Living," in collaboration with Ikatan Psikologi Klinis (IPK) HIMPSI.“The Community Outreach Division initiated this idea, recognizing the alarming statistics in global and local contexts, including Surabaya. Mental and physical health issues are on the rise and could become a significant problem for families and communities in the coming years. To counteract this trend, we organized this event with the hope of making a positive impact now and expanding our influence in the future.” said Afrizal Randy as the PIC of the event.This collaboration with HIMPSI was established based on the shared alignment of visions between the two. The decision was also influenced by the esteemed reputation of HIMPSI, recognized as the most extensive professional psychology organization in the country. Boasting a network of 2900+ active Clinical Psychologists among 3800+ verified practitioners spread across Indonesia, HIMPSI brings a wealth of experience and expertise to enhance the success and credibility of this event.Taking place on Saturday, November 25th, 2023, at Auditorium Pascasarjana, this event garnered substantial attendance, drawing participants not only from ITS but also attracting students from other places including UNAIR and UNTAG.The event kicked off with a speech from Kavindra Natha Wilasa, as the Director of Public Relations at SPE ITS SC, highlighting the importance of mental and physical well-being. This insightful introduction paved the way for the main event—a seminar led by Mrs. Cita Juwita Alwani Rozano, S.Psi., M.Psi., as the psychologist representing Ikatan Psikologi Klinis (IPK) in the Himpunan Psikologi Indonesia Jawa Timur section. Mrs. Cita commenced by providing valuable insights into the importance of mental health and overall well-being. Building upon this foundation, she then delved into emotional intelligence, shedding light on its profound impact on mental health, and sharing practical strategies for better emotional control. Mrs. Cita also addresses prevalent issues that many people struggle with, offering guidance on fostering a healthier relationship with social media. Additionally, she shared valuable insights on overcoming procrastination, a hurdle that many, particularly the younger generation, grapple with in today's fast-paced world.Following the informative session, the atmosphere heightened during the engaging Q&A session with Mrs. Cita responding to queries from the audience. The committee facilitated audience interaction by offering a Slido link for those who wanted to ask questions, ensuring a more open and accessible platform for engagement This facilitated an open environment where numerous participants seized the opportunity to share and seek advice on their personal mental health problems. From minor anxiety issues to more profound struggles with depression, the audience actively participated in the conversation. The questions also spanned various aspects of life, from romantic relationships to academic struggles, showcasing the diverse and candid nature of the discussions prompted by Mrs. Cita's insights. As part of SPE ITS SC, the Public Relations and Community Outreach division aims to broaden its influence beyond the oil and gas sector. Their mission also revolves around community well-being, and the coordination of seminars addressing mental and physical health stands as a significant step in making a positive contribution to the community. “We are committed to not only maintaining current initiatives but also expanding them to have a larger more meaningful impact to the community“ Afrizal concluded. Written By: Arya Nugraha Aulia Rahman Yusup

An investment of US$15 billion has been made by ExxonMobil Corporation to establish a petrochemical refinery and carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Indonesia. This massive commitment of over Rp239 trillion aims to promote sustainable energy in the country by using an advanced technology to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial sources and store it underground. Carole Gall, President Director of ExxonMobil Indonesia, has underlined the corporation’s commitment in supporting environmental sustainability, including in achieving Indonesia's net-zero emission goals.Indonesia’s Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry, Rosan Roeslani, stated that ExxonMobil’s initiative was inspired by British Petroleum’s (BP) recent US$7 billion investment in the Tangguh Ubadari, Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage (CCUS), and Compression—or Tangguh UCC—project in Bintuni Bay, West Papua. This project is scheduled to start in 2028 and will include the development of the Ubadari gas field, the installation of CCUS and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) at the Vorwata Field, and the improvement of the Tangguh LNG facilities with onshore compressors.While ExxonMobil's investment is twice that of BP's, both efforts share a common goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions and help Indonesia in transitioning to a more sustainable future. By implementing CCUS and EGR technologies, this project represents an important step toward increasing the country’s capacity for clean energy production. As more details of ExxonMobil's plans come to light, all eyes will turn to see how this investment would affect Indonesia's energy future.As the spotlight turns toward the execution of ExxonMobil's plans, this unprecedented investment holds the promise of reshaping Indonesia’s energy landscape. By fostering innovation, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing energy production capacity, ExxonMobil's CCS project could serve as a cornerstone for Indonesia's sustainable energy future. The successful implementation of this initiative will not only reinforce Indonesia's position as a key player in the global energy transition but also inspire other nations to follow suit in prioritizing sustainability and environmental stewardship

On Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, the Soft Skills Division of the SPE ITS SC held SPEctra (SPE Career on Track). This intensive bootcamp is designed to meet the increasing demand for equipping future leaders with essential skills necessary for the modern professional world. SPEctra consists of comprehensive training targeting key aspects of leadership and professional proficiency.SPEctra emerged as a dynamic response to the need for leadership development in today's complex work environments. The program was established to empower participants by honing their abilities in team motivation, conflict management, and strategic decision-making. Grounded in the belief that exceptional leadership is a cultivated skill rather than an innate trait, SPEctra aims to prepare individuals to navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and make informed decisions.Mr. Windo Julioardi, Manufacturing Manager at Danone Aqua, delivered a keynote presentation on "Developing Soft Skills for Decent Work." His insights underscored the importance of soft skills in achieving professional success and contributing to sustainable development.Participants in SPEctra engaged with a case study centered around the theme "Innovating and Impacting Through UN SDGs." This theme encouraged participants to devise solutions that aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which promotes innovation and impactful outcomes. Throughout the bootcamp, participants worked on progressing their case solutions, guided by structured sessions and mentors. Participants partook in an mentoring session, where they developed decision-making solutions through creative activities such as cardboard prototyping. This hands-on approach facilitated a deeper understanding of the case study and fostered innovative thinking. The mentoring session resulted in discussions and preparations for the presentation phase. After submitting their case solutions, participants presented their work. The top three submissions were selected for final presentations that were held offline. The presentation session also featured expert speakers, Lala Cig, who addressed "Strategies for Effective Problem Solving" and "Aligning Professional Growth with UN SDGs." This session provided participants with practical strategies and insights for tackling complex problems and aligning their career growth with global sustainability goals.The event concluded with a closing ceremony and an awarding session to appreciate the outstanding efforts of the participants.Written by: Arya Nugraha Aulia Rahman Yusup