Indonesian Ministry of Industry has opened the possibility of importing gas for industrial use in the country, following ongoing concerns over the high cost and limited supply of gas for the industrial sector. Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, speaking at the Industrial Estate Association (HKI) National Conference in Jakarta on Thursday, acknowledged the ongoing challenges in ensuring the availability of affordable gas for industries across the nation.
"To ensure the continuity of supply, it is possible to import gas for industrial needs, especially if the national supply does not meet the demand or the price is not aligned with regulations," said Minister Agus. The Ministry of Industry has been actively discussing this issue with the government, particularly in light of rising concerns among industrial players about the increasing costs of gas in Indonesia.
The potential for importing gas was highlighted as an option to alleviate the pressure on industries that are facing challenges with supply shortages and high gas prices. Minister Agus emphasized that any decision to proceed with gas imports would require thorough discussions to balance domestic supply and demand. "If national gas supply is deemed insufficient, and the prices do not meet the regulatory standards, industries and industrial zones should be given the flexibility to source gas from other countries," he added.
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The Ministry of Industry’s position comes as part of the broader effort to address the issue of gas availability and pricing under the Specific Natural Gas Price (HGBT) policy. The policy, which aims to set specific prices for gas to certain industries, has been met with mixed results, and Minister Agus acknowledged that the implementation of this policy still requires further improvement.
Vice Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Yuliot Tanjung, also addressed the issue, stating that while the government is not opposed to gas imports for industrial use, the feasibility of such an action depends on both the availability of domestic gas and the necessary infrastructure for imports. "We will continue to explore all options to ensure that the industrial sector has a stable and affordable supply of gas," said Yuliot.
The idea of importing gas is seen as a potential solution to ensure the competitiveness of Indonesia’s industrial sector, particularly in regions where gas availability has been inconsistent. The government’s commitment to addressing these challenges is part of the broader industrial policy aimed at supporting sustainable and competitive growth across key sectors, including manufacturing, chemicals, and energy-intensive industries.
Editing by Alexander Ginting
