DPR Encourages Gas Network Development to Expand Natural Gas Utilization

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Chairman of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Bambang Patijaya, has encouraged more extensive development of gas networks to increase the use of natural gas, both in the industrial sector and among the public.

According to him, expanding gas networks is a strategic step to support economic activities, particularly in the tourism sector such as hotels and restaurants that require reliable and efficient energy supplies.

“We are encouraging the wider use of gas through pipeline networks, including to support the tourism sector,” Patijaya conveyed during the Commission XII working visit to Denpasar, Bali, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, as quoted from dpr.go.id.

In addition, he explained that gas network development is currently carried out through two schemes: one funded by the State Budget (APBN) through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the other developed by State Gas Company (PGN).

However, he acknowledged that gas network tariffs managed by PGN are relatively higher, so they have mostly been utilized by industrial areas.

“Gas networks funded by the state budget and by PGN are both in operation, but those managed by PGN have relatively higher tariffs,” he said.

Nevertheless, Bambang believes that natural gas utilization needs to be expanded to reach the public, one of which is through the development of gas networks. This step is also considered capable of reducing dependence on subsidized LPG. “We need to increase the share of gas usage among the public through gas networks, especially since LPG subsidies are quite large,” he stated.

He added that gas network development must be supported by careful planning to achieve economic viability. One way is by ensuring the presence of an anchor buyer as well as sufficiently dense residential areas. “To be economically viable, there must be an anchor buyer and adequately dense residential areas,” he said.

In addition, Bambang affirmed the importance of collaboration with local governments and housing developers to accelerate gas network development, so that the network can be built more optimally and reach more people. “Collaboration with local governments and housing developers is important to expand gas network coverage,” he said.

Regarding safety aspects, he assured that the use of gas through pipeline networks remains safe as long as it is supported by proper planning, specifications, and supervision. “Safety depends on good planning, specifications, construction, and oversight,” he noted.

According to him, the success of gas network development depends not only on infrastructure, but also on the certainty of gas supply. “The most important thing is gas availability. Infrastructure will not be useful if there is no supply,” he said.