Government launches first gas flow in Cisem 2 pipeline to boost domestic supply

By Romel S. Gurky

The government on Wednesday inaugurated the first gas flow through the second phase of the Cirebon to Semarang transmission pipeline, as it pushes to expand energy infrastructure and improve domestic gas distribution.

Deputy Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Yuliot Tanjung said the Cisem 2 pipeline spans about 245 km, forming part of a broader 305 km network that includes the earlier phase of the project.

The pipeline, designated as a national strategic project, was completed on March 5 following engineering, procurement and construction works and has passed safety tests with no leaks, according to the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.

Built using multi-year state budget funding, the project is intended to lower transportation costs and improve competitiveness by keeping toll fees for gas transmission low, Yuliot said at the inauguration ceremony in Central Java.

Director General of Oil and Gas Laode Sulaeman said the pipeline was completed in about 19 months, with construction accelerated by dividing the work into multiple sections executed in parallel.

Read also: Cisem II gas pipeline targeted to begin operations in June 2026

The pipeline includes 20 inch diameter lines stretching more than 240 km, along with supporting facilities such as compressor stations, metering systems and 16 line break control valves. Peak construction employed nearly 2,000 workers, while domestic content reached more than 60 percent, the ministry said.

The asset will be managed by Lemigas, which is expected to partner with operators for its utilisation. Gas supply for the pipeline will come from the Jambaran Tiung Biru field in East Java.

State owned gas operator PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (IDX: PGAS) is expected to begin gas sales agreements with industrial users from June 2026, as the network is integrated into existing distribution systems.

Officials said the pipeline could help expand access to gas for industrial, commercial and household users, while supporting regional economic growth by improving energy availability and attracting investment.

The government plans further expansion of the network, including links from Cirebon to Bandung and from Semarang to Solo and Yogyakarta, as part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic gas infrastructure and energy security.

Editing by Alexander Ginting