More than 900 drilling and well professionals from over 30 countries have gathered in Bali on 5 August for the SPE/IADC Asia Pacific Drilling Technology Conference (APDT) 2026, as the industry responds to increasing demands for safer, more efficient and technology-driven drilling operations.
Hosted by PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), APDT 2026 is being held in Bali, Indonesia, for the first time from 5–6 August 2026 at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua. Under the theme “Transforming Drilling and Wells for an Efficient and Intelligent Energy Future,” the conference brings together operators, contractors, service companies, and technology providers to address the evolving challenges facing the drilling industry.
In his welcome remarks, Henricus Herwin, secretary-in-charge, ASEAN Council on Petroleum & Energy (ASCOPE), member, SPE Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Council, and 2022–2024 SPE Asia Pacific regional director, underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing the future of drilling and well engineering. “Today, drilling and well engineering stand at the center of the energy industry's transformation. Advances in digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and well-construction technologies are redefining what is possible. It is precisely for this reason that forums such as APDT are so important. They allow us to share knowledge, challenge conventional thinking, learn from one another's experiences, and collectively develop the solutions that will shape the future of energy in Asia Pacific and beyond.”
Manav Kumar Agarwal, president, Dynamic Drilling, IADC Executive Committee, International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), said, “This room is brimming with active members of IADC and SPE—two organizations that represent the best of what this industry can do when it comes together. The longstanding relationship between these two great industry associations is what makes forums like this possible. Throughout the conference, we’ll have access to unparalleled networking opportunities, cutting-edge presentations, and engaging discussions that could impact our industry’s trajectory.”
Virano Gazi Nasution, deputy CEO, PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, shared Indonesia’s commitment to balancing energy security with sustainability, stating, “Indonesia has set itself an ambitious course to strengthen national energy security and self-sufficiency, to grow our economy, and to do so while honoring our commitment to a lower-carbon future.” He further underscored the relevance of the conference theme, noting, “The theme of this conference, ‘Transforming Drilling Towards an Efficient and Intelligent Energy Future,’ is not merely a slogan to us. It is an operational necessity.”
The Executive Plenary brought together senior industry executives, including Fata Yunus, vice president, drilling & well intervention, PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE); Shaufi Dahlan, senior general manager, wells department, PETRONAS; Ankush Bhalla, president director, Halliburton Indonesia; Le Ba Chi, deputy director, rig operations, PetroVietnam Drilling & Well Service Corporation (PV Drilling); and Amr Wahby Mahmoud, vice president, Drilling and Wells MENA, Rystad Energy. The panelists shared perspectives on the future of drilling and well technologies, underscoring the importance of resilience, innovation, and collaboration in shaping the industry's future.
The 2-day program features thought-provoking panel discussions covering the role of advanced technologies, digitalization, and innovative operating models in improving efficiency and addressing increasingly complex operational environments, cross-disciplinary technical sessions, and knowledge-sharing opportunities focused on advancing drilling performance, operational excellence, and technology adoption across Asia Pacific.
The accompanying exhibition showcases the latest drilling and well technologies from leading operators, service companies, and technology providers. Ours partners, sponsors and exhibitors include PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, SKK Migas, PetroVietnam Drilling & Well Service Corporation, Halliburton Indonesia, Sri Energy Inc., AsiaPac Energy Indonesia, NOV, Borr Drilling, PT Medco E&P Indonesia, Velesto Energy Berhad, Weatherford, HMH, COSL, Enhanced Drilling AS, Peloton Enterprises UK Ltd., and many more.
Established in 1996, APDT is one of the region’s leading events for drilling professionals. Held biennially in Asia Pacific, the conference provides a platform for operators, suppliers, contractors, and service companies to exchange technical knowledge, share industry best practices, and collaborate on solutions that shape the future of drilling and well operations.
For more information about APDT 2026, visit www.spe-events.org/asia-pacific-drilling.