Jakarta — The government continues to strengthen national energy stabilization by developing coal gasification into Dimethyl Ether (DME) as a step to reduce dependence on imported Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This program is part of the national energy transformation, which emphasizes energy security, optimization of domestic resources, and strengthening the downstream energy industry.
PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk (PTBA), a member of the MIND ID Mining Industry Holding, is supporting national energy security by developing downstream coal processing into DME. This step aligns with government policy to realize Asta Cita (Asta Cita) and the mandate of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, which emphasizes the management of natural resources for the greatest prosperity of the people.
DME development is seen as strategic for maintaining the sustainability of the national energy supply amidst increasing household and industrial energy needs. Currently, high national LPG consumption remains dependent on imports, impacting the subsidy burden and national energy security. The government believes that utilizing domestic coal through gasification technology can be a solution to strengthen energy independence while maintaining long-term national economic stability.
Rosan Roeslani, CEO/Head of the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara), emphasized that this project is part of the acceleration of national strategic projects to strengthen Indonesia’s economic and energy foundations.
“The development of DME in Tanjung Enim is an important step in reducing dependence on LPG imports, which currently still account for around 80% of national needs,” he explained.
The downstreaming program for coal into DME is also considered capable of opening investment opportunities, creating jobs, and increasing the added value of national natural resources.
Fuad Bawazier, President Commissioner of MIND ID, stated that the DME project provides significant benefits to the country, both directly and indirectly.
“The DME project provides significant benefits to the country. However, many state benefits are not recorded in corporate books. Hopefully, this project can be realized and implemented according to targets so that we can become a country that is self-sufficient in energy and food,” Fuad said.
Meanwhile, MIND ID President Director, Maroef Sjamsoeddin, emphasized his commitment to fostering synergy among group members and strategic partners to ensure optimal, sustainable downstream projects and strengthen national energy security.
By strengthening downstreaming and utilizing domestic energy resources, the government hopes Indonesia will be able to build a more independent, resilient, and competitive energy system to support the sustainability of national development in the future.