By: Syarifah Anisah Zubair
Integrated natural gas infrastructure development is shaping the new direction for national energy self-sufficiency. The government is promoting pipeline connectivity, LNG facilities, and gas downstreaming as a foundation for stronger, more sustainable energy independence, while also supporting the interests of industry and the community. These measures are no longer sectoral in nature, but are designed as a national system interconnected from upstream to downstream.
This policy direction aligns with the grand vision of energy self-sufficiency affirmed under Prabowo Subianto’s leadership. The government positions energy as a strategic pillar of long-term development, on par with food, as dependence on imports is considered risky for economic, fiscal, and geopolitical stability. Within this framework, natural gas is positioned as a key bridge to a cleaner and more self-sufficient energy transition.
Natural gas offers dual advantages. On the one hand, it produces lower emissions than coal and fuel oil. On the other hand, gas offers a more stable supply reliability than intermittent renewable energy. This combination makes the development of integrated gas infrastructure a national energy “toll road” capable of driving the economy equitably.
The government, through the Directorate General of Oil and Gas, emphasizes that energy self-sufficiency is achieved through a four-pillar approach: availability, accessibility, affordability, and public acceptance.
This framework positions the construction of cross-regional gas pipelines as a strategic instrument to ensure energy is not only available but also accessible at a more cost-effective price and accepted by the public due to its environmental friendliness.
Several national strategic projects form the backbone of this integration. The Cirebon-Semarang pipeline, which is in its final stages of completion, connects gas supplies from eastern Java to industrial centers in the western region.
Meanwhile, the Dumai-Sei Mangkei pipeline is designed to connect the Sumatran gas network, connecting supplies from surplus areas to industrial areas and power plants. This integration creates distribution flexibility previously lacking in the national energy system.
In addition to building new networks, the government is also optimizing existing infrastructure. The national gas pipeline network, which already spans tens of thousands of kilometers, along with LNG facilities and gas refueling stations, continues to be strengthened to support domestic demand.
The revitalization of the Arun LNG and the development of the Cikampek-Plumpang pipeline demonstrate that energy strategies should not rely solely on new projects but also maximize existing assets.
The economic impact of natural gas integration is beginning to become evident. Energy transportation costs are decreasing, gas prices are becoming more competitive, and industry is gaining long-term supply security.
Industrial estates and special economic zones (SEZs) are benefiting from natural incentives in the form of cheaper energy compared to LNG shipments. This situation is driving the growth of new production centers, creating jobs, and strengthening regional economic structures.
Gas infrastructure integration also plays a crucial role in reducing dependence on LPG imports. The expansion of the household gas network allows households to switch from subsidized LPG cylinders to more efficient piped gas. This policy not only eases the burden on the state budget but also improves the trade balance and strengthens energy security at the household level.
In the context of food security, natural gas plays a strategic role as a raw material for the fertilizer and petrochemical industries. Guaranteed gas availability ensures stable fertilizer production, thus ensuring national agricultural productivity is not disrupted. This integration of energy and food emphasizes that energy self-sufficiency has mutually reinforcing cross-sectoral impacts.
The government also links integrated gas development to the broader energy transition agenda and net-zero emission target. Natural gas is utilized as a transitional energy source while accelerating the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, and hydropower.
In the Electricity Supply Business Plan, gas is a crucial support for power plants transitioning from fuel oil to more efficient and clean systems.
This commitment is reinforced through the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan project, which was inaugurated as a symbol of national capability in managing large-scale energy projects. Increasing refinery capacity and quality demonstrates that energy self-sufficiency is not only about upstream energy, but also about strengthening domestic processing and added value.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia places natural gas integration within the framework of sovereignty, resilience, and independence., and energy self-sufficiency. The government believes the combination of infrastructure policies, downstreaming, and clean governance will accelerate the achievement of the target of reducing energy imports in the coming years.
Through collaboration between the government, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector, the development of integrated gas infrastructure is moving to become a concrete foundation for national energy self-sufficiency.
This direction emphasizes that energy independence is no longer just talk, but rather a measurable process that builds economic resilience, strengthens industrial competitiveness, and safeguards national sovereignty in the long term.
Through the integration of gas infrastructure from upstream to downstream, the country provides supply certainty, cost efficiency, and the foundation for a realistic and sustainable energy transition. Consistent policies, strengthened governance, and the involvement of the business community and regional governments make energy self-sufficiency a tangible development agenda with a direct impact on national productivity and public welfare. (*)
*) Renewable Energy Consultant – Energi Lestari Indonesia