PGN calls for speedy completion of Trans Java pipeline

By Godang Sitompul

State-owned gas distribution company PGN urged the government to quickly complete the development of the Trans Java gas pipeline so that the heavily-populated island of Java can be entirely connected with a gas pipeline network.

?If the Trans Java pipeline has been completed, PGN is willing to invest with its own money to develop distribution pipeline to the public and industrial (gas consumers),? PGN President Director Hendi Prio Santoso told Petromindo.com Friday.

He did not disclose how much money the company has set aside for such investment. But he said that in a bid to help support the government?s drive to push households and industries to switch into gas from the costlier petroleum-based fuel products, PGN is ready to invest to develop gas pipeline. Hendi said that the company has expressed this to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Jero Wacik.

?We?re ready to invest with our own money. Where ever there?s gasoline station located near the (gas) pipeline we?ll connect it. So the thousands of gasoline stations in Jakarta if they?re located near the pipeline, we?re going to put gas dispensers there,? Hendi said.

But the problem is always about the gas supply, he said. If the government ensures the gas supply, PGN will invest in the pipeline.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak