Indonesia's pipeliners urged to team up

Indonesian pipeline companies need to team up with each other in anticipation to Indonesia?s rising demand for gas in the future due to the fall in its fuel supply, according to the chairman of the Indonesian Pipeline Industry Association (IPIA), Mustain Sjadzali.

He reminded association members in a seminar held by Bimasena, the mines and energy society in Jakarta Thursday, about the current trend towards establishing joint operations, consortiums and other forms of alliance.

?And looking at the ambitious plans that are before us, this is mostly likely the way to go forward,? he told the conference on gas potential for further exports from East Kalimantan.

IPIA comprises of constructors, engineering companies, manufacturers, pipe-coaters and associated industries. It is a mix of national and international companies, Indonesians as well as expatriate personnel.

To illustrate the rising trend towards joint operations and consortiums, Sjadzali mentioned the successes of the Trans-Sumatra Gas Transmission Project. The 540-km project, located between Asamera and Duri, provided an insight into cooperation between companies and between suppliers, Sjadzali added. (leo)