The Government Emphasizes Clean Energy and Natural Gas as Key Pillars of Energy Self-Sufficiency
Jakarta – The government has reaffirmed its commitment to making clean energy, particularly natural gas, a key pillar towards national energy self-sufficiency. This move aligns with national priorities emphasizing national independence in energy, food, water, and the green economy.
The Head of the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas), Erika Retnowati, assessed that natural gas has a strategic role in the energy transition while also supporting national economic growth.
“Natural gas not only plays a role as a cleaner transitional energy source, but also plays a key role in the national economy, supporting the industrial and electricity sectors, as well as households,” said Erika.
Erika emphasized the importance of synergy between BPH Migas, PGN, and related business entities to accelerate the development of natural gas network infrastructure (jargas).
“Transparent and efficient downstream oil and gas governance will expand energy access for the public and support national economic growth,” he added.
Wahyudi Anas, a member of the BPH Migas Committee, also highlighted the importance of developing a gas network as part of the clean energy transition. He emphasized that gas networks not only support energy efficiency but also provide tangible benefits for households, small customers, and the industrial sector.
“We are encouraging the use of a gas network with a compressed natural gas (CNG) cluster system to be more effective and reach a wider community,” Wahyudi said.
In line with that, PGN’s Director of Infrastructure and Technology, Hery Murahmanta, said that natural gas is the backbone of the national energy transition towards the 2060 Net Zero Emission (NZE) target. PGN, as Pertamina’s gas subholding, has operated an integrated infrastructure covering more than 33 thousand kilometers of pipelines, LNG regasification facilities, and gas filling stations.
“We hope natural gas can be an alternative to reduce LPG imports, in line with the President’s directive to achieve energy self-sufficiency,” said Hery.
Hery added that PGN continues to expand gas networks in various regions. In Banten Province, for example, PGN has built more than 15,000 gas networks funded by the state budget and 69,000 independent gas networks, which now serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers. He emphasized that government support through accelerated licensing and economic incentives is essential for optimal gas network expansion.
With the full support of the government, PGN, and stakeholders, the utilization of natural gas is expected to be the key to achieving energy self-sufficiency while strengthening the competitiveness of the national industry amidst the transition to clean energy.
