Having Pandemic Obstacles, Gas Network Programs Continued

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif ensured that the gas network development program (jargas) will continue.

This program is believed to reduce the level of dependence on imported Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) which burdens state finances.

Arifin admitted that the construction of the jargas had experienced problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it would continue.

"Yesterday it was a bit disturbed because the COVID budget was limited. Try for fuel, because of how much our fuel was lost, it was Rp. 30 trillion. We can install gas, how much will it be finished," he said in Jakarta, Friday, September 30.

In fact, he said, the government is currently mapping the strategic areas that will be passed by the jargas so that this program can run smoothly and quickly.

"Later, strategic areas will be mapped so that the implementation will be carried out quickly," he said.

Just so you know, based on data from the Directorate General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, until the end of 2021 the city gas network has been connected to 126,876 household connections in 21 districts/cities.

For 2022, the construction of jargas with the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) is planned to reach 40,777 SR in 12 districts/cities.

The Directorate General of Oil and Gas itself has carried out tenders or auctions which are divided into 5 packages starting December 9, 2021.

The purpose of the construction of jargas is to provide access to energy to the community, save expenses for natural gas fuel, help the community's economy towards an independent and environmentally friendly society economy and reduce the burden of fuel subsidies and/or LPG in the household sector.