BRIN Develops ANG Technology to Replace LPG, Indonesia Could Save IDR 26 Trillion

Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Arif Satria has revealed that the Absorbed Natural Gas (ANG) innovation currently under development has the potential to save up to Rp26 trillion per year in energy subsidies.

The technology was presented to President Prabowo Subianto during a meeting with 150 BRIN researchers at the Presidential Palace, as reported on Friday (7/8/2026).

Arif said BRIN continues to develop various technologies to strengthen national energy security while reducing Indonesia’s dependence on LPG imports.

“Mr President, there are several summaries I would like to convey regarding BRIN’s innovations. In the energy sector, BRIN is working to build capacity to reduce LPG imports through biofuels, energy from biomass and waste, renewable energy, batteries and energy infrastructure,” he said.

According to him, one of the matters that drew the president’s attention was ANG technology, which utilises natural gas as a substitute for LPG.

Arif explained that the technology allows natural gas to be stored at a pressure of around 30 bar, far lower than conventional Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), by utilising Metal Organic Framework (MOF) materials. He also explained that the MOF technology is based on the discovery of Japanese scientist Susumu Kitagawa, who was one of the recipients of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2021.

BRIN has also established a sister laboratory with the Japanese Nobel laureate to develop ANG technology in Indonesia.

He also believes that the application of this technology has the potential to significantly reduce the subsidy burden. “Based on initial calculations, this technology has the potential to save up to around Rp26 trillion per year on the LPG subsidy burden,” he said.

Furthermore, according to Arif, the use of this cylinder also increases gas storage capacity. Based on his calculations, a 3-kilogram LPG cylinder that typically lasts 10 days could be extended to 15 days with this technology.

Nevertheless, the Head of BRIN stressed that the technology is still in the testing phase in the HOREKA (Hotel, Restaurant and Catering) sector.

After the meeting, Arif also explained that the technology has been discussed with the President and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia. The president has even instructed that the implementation of ANG utilisation be accelerated.

“Because this saves foreign exchange, but secondly, and more importantly, it provides larger gas reserves,” he said.

BRIN is targeting the ANG technology trials to be completed throughout 2026, so that it can be introduced more widely in 2027.