"We are here to follow up the regent`s proposal of applying efficient technologies in converting fuel to gas on motorboats developed by the Kubu Raya administration. Today, we examined this conversion work in the field," Head of Oil-Gas Management and Information division in Energy and Mineral Resource Ministry Agustin Hermawan said here on Saturday.
He added that he appreciated the Kubu Raya administration`s effort in supporting the government`s programme of reducing the public dependence on consuming fuel.
Moreover, he added, the quota of subsidized fuel continues to increase, so that by applying efficient technologies, such as converting fuel to gas, the government is also promoting energy conservation.
Hermawan noted that ministry officials have said they are ready to develop the programme after observing and testing the fuel-gas boat.
"However, this project has to pass the fit and proper test first to know the efficiency and safety level of the boat. We avoided developing a programme that will `boomerang` for the government," he said.
He recalled how an earlier programme of converting fuel to gas on stoves led to complaints because of gas cylinders exploding.
"We surely must avoid the same things, so the team will cooperate with a number of selected universities to implement the technology, which could bring benefits to the public," he said.
Agus added that if the fuel-gas boat programme could be put in place, Kubu Raya will have the potential to develop the pilot project for fishermen and people living along the coast.
"Indonesia has a lot of water areas, not only Kubu Raya. Thus, fuel-gas boats will bring benefits for fishermen and people living along coastal areas," he said.
(J010/INE/KR-BSR/F001)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
