Government Targets An Increase Of Up To 2.5 Million Gas Networks 2024

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto said the government is targeting an increase of up to 2.5 million household gas networks by 2024.

"The gas network progress so far has only reached 835,000 houses, of which 241,000 are from PGN, while 594,000 are from the government. Of course, this gas network is a concern for the government, so that this gas network can be increased in 2024, at 2.5 million networks," said Airlangga, quoted from Antara, Thursday, October 12.

Airlangga said a revision of the Presidential Regulation (Perpres) was needed so that it was possible for the private sector to participate in the development of the city's gas network.

According to him, in the Presidential Regulation, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) will be appointed as the person in charge of Government and Business Entity Cooperation (KPBU).

He said the household gas network needed to be expanded because the 835,000 network is currently too low.

The target was originally 4 million networks. Only from the achievement of 800,000, the target of 4 million in 2024 is difficult to achieve. So from the current 835,000 connections, it is hoped that it can be increased to 2.5 million networks, but the private sector will work later," he explained.

Therefore, he said, a presidential regulation is needed so that the private sector can conduct KPBU.

"This must ensure that they get prices at 4.72 (US dollars per MMBtu). If it can't be priced 4.72, there won't be a switching between LPG and gas networks," he said.

Airlangga said SKK Migas would be given the task of being an aggregator to supply LPG at 4.72 US dollars per MMBtu.

On the other hand, the President also asked to find ways so that LPG fields that have the potential to produce LPG can continue to be encouraged.

"Of course there must be a price-giving policy from Pertamina. Some of these things were asked to be finalized," said Airlangga.