Jakarta – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR), Bahlil Lahadalia, on Monday, September 30, inaugurated the Cirebon-Semarang (Cisem) gas transmission pipeline National Strategic Project. This phase, which connects Batang, Cirebon, to Kandang Haur, with a total length of 245 kilometers, is part of a project that integrates natural gas networks in Java and Sumatra.
The Cisem Phase II gas pipeline construction uses a multi-year contract scheme based on the State Budget (APBN), with a total budget of Rp2.7 trillion. Bahlil said that this infrastructure is expected to connect the existing gas pipeline network in Gresik-Semarang (Gresem) and the South Sumatra to West Java (SSWJ) network.
“This project is very important to ensure a stable gas supply to various sectors, including industries in Central Java and West Java,” Bahlil said at the inauguration ceremony in Batang Industrial Estate, Central Java.
In addition to supporting industry, the Cisem gas pipeline project aims to increase the utilisation of the household gas network (jargas), reduce the community’s dependence on LPG, and ease the burden of energy costs.
“Natural gas is cheaper than LPG, so we are trying to get this gas network into households, so there are no more complaints about the price of 3-kg LPG going up,” Bahlil explained. The government is targeting the project to be completed in the first semester of 2026. Afterwards, the pipeline will supply gas to several major industries, including the Balongan Refinery and Pupuk Kujang, as well as household gas networks in West Java and Central Java.
The Cisem Phase II gas pipeline is a continuation of Phase I, completed along 60 kilometres and operated in 2023. This infrastructure has supplied natural gas needs in Kendal Industrial Estate since November 17, 2023, and Batang Industrial Estate since July 27, 2024. With the completion of Phase II, the gas pipeline network is expected to support gas distribution from the Jambaran Tiung Biru Field in East Java to various regions in Sumatra.
The inauguration of the project was also attended by several important officials, including the Acting Governor of Central Java, Acting Regent of Batang, Acting Director General of Oil and Gas, Head of SKK Migas, as well as representatives from PT Pertamina Group and Batang Integrated Industrial Estate. (Hartatik)
