By Raymond Hendriawan
As Southeast Asia’s energy needs continue to grow, renewed attention is being paid to one long-standing regional initiative: the Trans ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP). For Indonesia—the world’s largest archipelagic nation—TAGP may prove to be a vital logistics solution for achieving long-envisioned energy security, particularly for its many remote islands
The spotlight turned toward TAGP during Pertamina Online Learning and Sharing (POLS) on August 20, where Dimas Haryo Dito, Group Head of Business Development at Indonesia’s state-owned gas distribution firm PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) and Chairman of ASCOPE (ASEAN Council on Petroleum), delivered an assertive update on the initiative’s near future.
At the heart of the TAGP update is the expanding LNG regasification network across ASEAN, with ASCOPE countries announcing a collective 37 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) worth of new capacity.
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Planned LNG infrastructure (as of April 2025):
- Philippines (5 projects): 13.72 Mtpa
- Singapore (1 project): 5 Mtpa
- Thailand (1 project): 10.8 Mtpa
- Vietnam (2 projects): 6.6 Mtpa
These terminals, some involving Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRU), are expected to begin operations post-2026, with Singapore’s second terminal targeted for 2030. While these projects remain national in scope, they form the backbone of what Dimas described as a “Virtual Pipeline,” a flexible and scalable solution to the region’s fragmented geography.
What makes TAGP uniquely timely is not just its technical vision, but its economic pragmatism. Traditional pipelines, while ideal in continental settings, are cost-prohibitive and slow-moving in the dynamic, island-rich ASEAN environment. The LNG regas + isotank model can be deployed incrementally, allowing countries like Indonesia to scale without overcommitting.
“This isn’t just about gas,” Dimas concluded. “It’s about regional solidarity, sustainability, and a shared future built on energy collaboration,” pointing to the need for fast, flexible energy infrastructure that meets growing Indonesia energy demand.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak
