By: Dimas Eko Pratama )*
In an effort to achieve national energy independence, the government continues to strengthen strategic measures to utilize natural gas resources as a sustainable transitional energy source. Natural gas is considered to have significant potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports while supporting the 2060 Net Zero Emission target.
In line with this national policy direction, PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGN), as Pertamina’s gas subholding, affirms its commitment to supporting the energy self-sufficiency program. Through integrated natural gas infrastructure management, PGN plays a vital role in ensuring clean and efficient energy is accessible to the wider community throughout Indonesia.
PGN’s Director of Infrastructure and Technology, Hery Murahmanta, believes natural gas plays a strategic role as the backbone of the transition to clean energy. The development and utilization of natural gas not only supports decarbonization efforts but also provides a concrete solution to reducing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports, which have been a burden on the national trade balance. This aligns with the government’s ambitious vision, as outlined in the President’s Asta Cita (Asta Cita), to achieve energy self-sufficiency based on domestic potential. Through natural gas, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to achieve sustainable energy independence while strengthening national energy security.
To support this goal, PGN continues to expand its infrastructure reach by operating a gas network spanning more than 33,000 kilometers across various regions. This infrastructure includes LNG regasification facilities, distribution pipelines, and integrated gas refueling stations. In the Cilegon area, PGN has distributed approximately 40.87 BBTUD of natural gas to serve more than 16,000 customers from various segments, from households and small businesses to large industries. This effort reflects the company’s commitment to providing safe, clean, and efficient energy to the community while supporting regional economic growth.
Overall, in Banten Province, PGN has built more than 15,000 gas networks (jargas) funded by the state budget, as well as over 69,000 independent jargas. The network spans Cilegon City, Serang Regency, Tangerang Regency, Tangerang City, and South Tangerang City. The development of this gas network not only strengthens public access to clean energy but also fosters a new economic ecosystem in the regions. PGN plans to continue expanding energy access to underserved areas as part of its national energy equity mission.
The use of natural gas also holds strategic value in terms of efficiency and sustainability. Natural gas is known to be more environmentally friendly because it produces lower carbon emissions than conventional fossil fuels. Furthermore, its safe and easily regulated characteristics make it an ideal choice for both the household and industrial sectors. Therefore, the development of natural gas is a concrete step towards reducing emissions while providing stable energy for the community.
Deputy Chairwoman of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Putri Zulhas, also encouraged the acceleration of the development of household gas networks throughout Indonesia. The development of gas networks is seen as crucial to ensure that the community directly benefits from the nation’s natural gas potential. The use of natural gas is considered safer, more practical, and more economical than imported fossil fuels. Going forward, collaboration between PGN, the House of Representatives, and regional governments is expected to accelerate equitable access to clean energy and strengthen national energy independence. This effort will have a significant impact on reducing energy imports and increasing the competitiveness of the domestic industry.
PGN also continues to demonstrate positive performance in the reliable and efficient management of natural gas. This is reflected in the company’s latest achievement, winning the 2025 Subroto Award from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). This award is the government’s highest form of appreciation for energy industry players who demonstrate dedication, innovation, and real contributions to the development of the national energy sector. This achievement is a clear testament to the hard work of all PGN officers in supporting government policies in the energy sector. Thus, PGN plays a strategic role as a key driving force in Indonesia’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency.
The government and PGN share the same goal of strengthening national energy independence. Through the utilization of natural gas, Indonesia can reduce dependence on imported energy, improve its trade balance, and strengthen the country’s position as a significant player in the global energy sector. Collaborative efforts between the government, the legislature, and state-owned energy companies will be key to accelerating this.The realization of the national energy self-sufficiency target. In a global context that increasingly demands clean and efficient energy, this step affirms Indonesia’s commitment to energy sovereignty while simultaneously playing an active role in climate change mitigation.
Ultimately, natural gas development is not merely a technical step in energy diversification, but a concrete manifestation of the nation’s spirit of independence. The public is expected to support government policies to expand the use of natural gas as a primary energy source. Public support for the transition to clean energy will accelerate the achievement of the goal of national energy self-sufficiency that is equitable, sustainable, and prosperous. With synergy between the government, industry, and the public, Indonesia can move steadily toward an independent and sovereign energy future.
)* National Energy Policy Analyst
