RI hopes CNG gas networks accelerate clean energy access

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is accelerating compressed natural gas (CNG)-based household gas networks to expand clean energy access in areas without pipeline infrastructure, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung said in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Friday (June 19).

During a visit to a CNG-based gas network project in Sleman, Tanjung said the government targeted 160,000 household gas connections in 2026 across several regions in Java, Sumatera, and Kalimantan.

"For 2026, the target of 160,000 household connections in various cities will be accelerated. The tender process is scheduled for late July, while technical assessments on each city's readiness are currently being finalized," Tanjung said.

He explained the expansion plan would be adjusted to regional readiness and proximity to natural gas sources distributed through the CNG scheme.

CNG-based gas network offers a solution for expanding energy access without waiting for transmission pipeline construction, which requires significant investment and time. Tanjung said the government was preparing to sharply increase household connections through financing from the state budget.

"Next year, through the state budget financing, we plan to increase the total of 1 million household connections. Preparations for the 2027 budget are currently underway and by 2028, the target of 1 million household connections is expected to be realized," he noted.

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In Sleman, the CNG-based network currently serves 4,545 households, six small customers, and four commercial customers. Meanwhile, its distribution network extends more than 141 kilometers.

Average gas distribution to customers in Sleman reaches around 84,000 cubic meters per month, equivalent to approximately 64 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption monthly.

Arief K. Risdianto, the president director of the state-owned gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), said the company's CNG clustering innovation provided an effective solution for expanding natural gas access in areas not connected to the main transmission network.

"People do not need to worry about the safety, because CNG—which is stored at high pressure of around 200 bar—has been integrated into a cluster system to ensure safe delivery to household kitchens," Risdianto said.

Strict supervision and reliable pressure regulating system technology, he added, ensured the safe use of natural gas for daily household activities.

The household gas network programme also forms part of the government's efforts to broaden energy access while reducing Indonesia's dependence on imported LPG. The system also offers households uninterrupted gas supplies without the need to replace cylinders regularly.

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Translator: Wening Caya Ing Tyas, Martha Herlinawati Simanjunt

Editor: Fransiska Ninditya

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