"The project is planned to start in 2021 and be completed in 2024," Balikpapan Mayor Rahmad Mas'ud stated in Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan, Wednesday.
Currently, installation of the gas pipeline network is centered in Central Balikpapan Sub-district, with a projected target of 16 thousand homes connected to the gas network.
The mayor noted that the first phase of the project targets the five Balikpapan villages of Graha Indah, Telaga Sari, Baru Ilir, Sepinggan, and Manggar.
Upon completion of the first installation phase, the gas network installation would continue to the rest of the 28 sub-districts of Balikpapan, with the expected pipe network connectivity reaching 190 thousand households.
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Mayor Mas'ud pointed out that the monthly gas usage in homes connected with gas pipelines was significantly lower than that by an LPG gas cylinder commonly used in Indonesian households.
On the similar lines, Balikpapan resident Sunarti found it convenient after the pipe gas connection at her house, and consequently, her gas expenses too reduced significantly.
"Before my house was connected to the gas pipe network, I had to spend Rp35 thousand (around US$2.45) for two 3-kg LPG gas cylinders. If the 3-kg gas cylinder suddenly becomes scarce, it is difficult to purchase the cylinder, as the price rises," Sunarti pointed out.
Currently, Sunarti only has to pay Rp21 thousand (around US$1.47) for the monthly usage of gas, and she no longer needs to change gas cylinders every week.
The Balikpapan cooking gas pipe network is provided by the state-owned PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur that supplies the gas produced from their refinery in Balikpapan Bay. The pipe network leading to every stove in connected houses is equipped with a safety valve, thereby ensuring safety of the residents.
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Translator: Novi Abdi, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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