Energy Ministry Secretary General Ahmad Erani Yustika said on Tuesday that the government was pursuing multiple energy alternatives to strengthen long-term energy security.
“LPG remains available and production continues. Then there will be CNG, DME and several other options that must be explored,” Yustika said.
He said the coal gasification-based DME project remained under consideration for investment by Danantara despite growing government focus on CNG development.
According to Yustika, expanding the range of domestic energy sources would help reduce Indonesia’s reliance on imported fuels and strengthen national energy independence.
“The more diverse the sources are, the better for self-sufficiency,” he said.
Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the government is conducting trials for three-kilogram compressed natural gas cylinders in Indonesia and China.
The trials are part of broader efforts to replace subsidized three-kilogram LPG cylinders and curb rising energy import dependence, he said.
Bahlil said CNG technology has long been used domestically in hotels, restaurants and the government’s Free Nutritious Meals program, although mainly through larger 10-20 kilogram cylinders.
He said the key challenge in developing smaller cylinders lies in managing significantly higher CNG pressure levels of around 200-250 bar, compared with conventional LPG systems.
Indonesia sees CNG as a viable alternative because the country holds abundant natural gas reserves, including newly discovered fields in East Kalimantan earmarked for domestic supply.
The government is also reviewing potential subsidy mechanisms for CNG distribution, although discussions over pricing structures and subsidy volumes are still ongoing.
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Translator: Putu Indah S, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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