Denpasar — As a world-class tourism destination, Bali requires certainty in sustainable energy supply. This was emphasized by Bali Governor Wayan Koster during his remarks at the Asia Pacific Offshore Exploration Symposium (APEX) 2026 held at Hotel Padma Kuta on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Governor Koster noted that the annual international forum on offshore exploration is highly strategic, as it brings together cross-sector stakeholders, including governments, global energy companies, academics, and research institutions from 15 countries, with a total of 225 participants.
He highlighted that the symposium serves as a vital platform for exchanging insights on offshore exploration technologies, particularly in renewable energy. In addition, the forum discusses investment opportunities, supports national energy policies, and addresses environmental and sustainable development issues.
In his address, Koster underlined that the forum aligns with Bali’s development vision, “Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali through a Comprehensive Planned Development Pattern in the New Era of Bali.” This vision aims to achieve energy independence in line with national policies toward energy security.
According to the governor, efforts to realize energy independence have been implemented through various regulations, including Bali Governor Regulation No. 45 of 2019 on Clean Energy.
“This is highly relevant to the forum, as offshore exploration technology in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Indonesia, prioritizes efficiency while optimizing renewable energy sources from ocean potential, such as waves and ocean currents,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, the two-term governor expressed Bali’s readiness to support and collaborate in offshore exploration initiatives, which are expected to open up investment opportunities and create jobs in the oil, gas, and related sectors.
“Let us make this momentum a collective step toward achieving energy security that contributes to national development, particularly for Bali,” he added.
Meanwhile, President of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Joseph M. Reilly, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the prestigious forum in Indonesia, especially in Bali. He highlighted Indonesia’s vast potential in offshore exploration, citing its extensive sedimentary basins.
According to him, Indonesia has strong prospects for advancing exploration through cutting-edge seismic imaging, improved geological modeling, and artificial intelligence support.
The symposium also featured prominent speakers, including Head of SKK Migas Djoko Siswanto and Business Line Director for Data & AI Platform at SLB, Jamie Cruise.
