3kg CNG Trials to be Conducted in China and Indonesia, Bahlil Explains

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that trials for 3kg Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) will be conducted in China and Indonesia. He noted that the government is continuously reviewing and testing the use of CNG as an alternative to 3kg LPG to reduce dependency on energy imports.

“There are two trial locations. First, because the factory is located in China, and second, we will conduct them in Indonesia,” Bahlil said at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Monday, 18 May 2026.

CNG is not a new technology, as it is already utilised in the hotel and restaurant sectors, as well as in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. However, its use has so far been limited to large-capacity cylinders exceeding 10 to 20 kilograms. This trial aims to develop small-sized CNG cylinders equivalent to the 3kg LPG size. According to the Minister, the primary challenge in the trial is the technical aspect, as the pressure of CNG is significantly higher, ranging from approximately 200 to 250 bar.

“The pressure for this 3kg version is very high. Therefore, it must be tested first; once it passes the trial, we will inform the public,” he added.

Bahlil also emphasised that the CNG trials will require time to achieve the desired results. CNG offers an advantage because all raw materials are available domestically, including abundant natural gas sources. Furthermore, the government has discovered new gas reserves in East Kalimantan that could potentially be allocated for domestic needs. Additionally, the government is conducting a comprehensive study on the CNG subsidy scheme. The option for providing subsidies remains open, though the mechanism and volume are still under discussion.