Pertagas Supplies Gas to Support Smooth Operation of RDMP Balikpapan
PT Pertamina Gas (Pertagas) supports the smooth operation of the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) in terms of gas supply, through the construction of the Senipah-Balikpapan gas pipeline project which is part of the RDMP integrated infrastructure.
Pertamina Gas President Director Indra P. Sembiring said that the Senipah-Balikpapan gas pipeline, which has been operating since December 31, 2023, is one of the National Strategic Projects that plays an important role in supporting the increase in the processing capacity and production of the Pertamina Balikpapan Refinery (KPB) and RU V.
"The Senipah-Balikpapan gas pipeline is part of the integrated infrastructure in Balikpapan which was inaugurated by President Prabowo. Through this gas infrastructure, Pertagas as the manager, fully supports the operational reliability of RU V and Pertamina Balikpapan Refinery to strengthen the sustainable supply of national energy," said Indra, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, January 14.
The Senipah-Balikpapan gas pipeline interconnection, which is approximately 78 kilometers long, was built to transport natural gas from the upstream area, namely K3S in Senipah, East Kalimantan, to the Balikpapan refinery with a delivery capacity of 125 MMSCFD (million standard cubic feet per day).
The optimization of gas distribution is an important element in maintaining the continuity and efficiency of RDMP Balikpapan operations.
"Reliable gas supply through this pipeline network will ensure RDMP Balikpapan's operations to be more environmentally friendly and low-emission, as well as support the achievement of Indonesia's net zero emission (NZE) target in 2060," said Indra.
The construction of the Senipah-Balikpapan gas pipeline then also prioritizes the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) of around 51 percent so that it also contributes to encouraging the development of domestic industries.
Pertagas is committed to continue to play an active role in strengthening national energy resilience through the provision and management of reliable natural gas infrastructure, as well as supporting the sustainability of refinery operations and national economic growth.
The statement was related to the inauguration of the RDMP project or the revitalization of the Balikpapan Refinery by President Prabowo Subianto in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Monday (12/1).
The Balikpapan RDMP project has an investment value of around 7.4 billion US dollars or equivalent to Rp124.79 trillion (exchange rate of Rp16,864).
Through the construction of the RDMP, the production capacity of fuel increased from the previous 260 thousand barrels per day (KBPD) to 360 KBPD equivalent to Euro V.
In addition, this project raised the Refinery Complexity Index from 3.7 to 8, and the percentage of product value increased to 91.8 percent from the previous 75.3 percent.
The development of the Balikpapan refinery is an important step to realize energy self-sufficiency in accordance with the Astacita program, so that Indonesia no longer relies on imports of fuel oil (BBM) and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic needs.