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How Imade Sukasana Became the Modern Driller

8 February, 2026

When Ranger Drilling’s Imade Sukasana was named the 2025 Australian Drilling Industry Association (ADIA) Driller of the Year, the recognition reflected more than individual performance. It reflected the endorsement of those who work alongside him every day. Imade’s story is not about flash or volume. It’s about consistency. From starting as an offsider in 2008 to commissioning new rigs, supporting crews across multiple sites and embracing automation and data-driven systems, his career mirrors the evolution of the industry itself. What defines him?

  • Calm, principled safety leadership
  • Coaching and mentoring drillers and offsiders
  • Clear communication with clients
  • Integrity in stopping work when conditions change
  • Openness to technology without abandoning fundamentals

As Imade puts it: “A strong crew comes from good communication, patience, and having each other’s back.” That line captures the shift we’re seeing across the industry. Modern drilling leadership isn’t built on bravado. It’s built on trust. The award also recognises the personal resilience behind the profession — long FIFO stints, missed milestones, and the quiet support of families who make the work possible.

Imade’s recognition is not just about where drilling has come from. It’s about where it’s heading. Professional. Adaptable. Safety-led. Technology-aware. People-first. That is what the modern driller looks like.

Read the full article in the Australasian Drilling Magazine