Aceh town wants gas from Arun

By Godang Sitompul

The authorities of Langsa,, a town in eastern coast of Aceh, voiced interest to absorb some of the gas to be pipelined by PT Pertamina Gas (Pertagas) from the Arun LNG plant to PLTGU Belawan power plant in North Sumatra.

The intention to absorb some of gas was expressed by Langsa?s Vice Mayor Marzuki Achmad during a visit to the town by officials from Pertagas and downstream regulator BPH Migas.

Langsa is one of the industrial towns in Aceh. It has a seaport to export and import goods to and from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and India.

?Industry is growing in Langsa. We need gas,? he said.

The Arun-Belawan gas pipeline being built by Pertagas will pass the area close to the town.

Gas Director at BPH Migas Umi Asngadah welcome the request, saying Pertagas will have more than enough gas stock to supply the town aside from its customers in North Sumatra.

?We shall discuss with the Directorate General of Oil and Gas and SKK Migas on the issue,? she said.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon