LNG Regasification Facility Development to Prioritise Environmental Aspects

PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) has involved the community from the initial planning stages of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage and regasification facility in Tanjung Karang Permai Village, Sekarbela District, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara. Through a public consultation for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) document, the company ensured that the energy infrastructure development plan considers social, economic, and environmental aspects. The public consultation, held at the Tanjung Karang Permai Village office hall, involved the Mataram City Government, the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government, technical agencies, security forces, community leaders, fishermen representatives, small business operators, and 65 residents living around the planned site. Lalu Martawang, Assistant I of the Mataram City Government, stated that community involvement is a crucial part of ensuring the LNG regasification facility development proceeds transparently and provides benefits to the community. Tanjung Karang Permai Village Head, Nani Nurkomala, added that the consultation serves as a dialogue space between the government, PLN EPI as the project initiator, and the community, with all suggestions and aspirations to be officially recorded for the Amdal document. Suraya Fitriyati Watimena, a Junior Environmental Impact Control Officer from the West Nusa Tenggara Environment and Forestry Service, emphasised that strategic development must pay attention to overall environmental carrying capacity and social impacts. Salikin, Head of Environmental Planning at the Mataram City Environment Office, appreciated PLN EPI’s initiative to involve the community from the early planning stages. Ivy Reivillia, a representative from the NTB Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Office, also expressed support for the plan as part of strengthening cleaner and more reliable energy infrastructure in the region. PLN EPI Corporate Secretary Mamit Setiawan explained that the planned LNG storage and regasification facility is part of the company’s strategy to reduce power plants’ dependence on fuel oil. He stated that utilising LNG as a cleaner, more efficient, and economical energy source is expected to strengthen energy supply reliability while supporting the national energy transition. During the discussion session, residents provided input regarding the protection of fishermen’s livelihoods, the sustainability of local businesses, prioritisation of local workers, management of coastal areas and drainage, and environmental preservation. All input was accepted to refine the Amdal document and project implementation design. The community generally expressed support for the development plan, with the hope that the project will pay attention to social and economic interests, protect the environment, and maintain open communication between the company, government, and residents. PLN EPI affirmed that the energy infrastructure development is directed not only at strengthening electricity supply reliability and supporting the energy transition but also at implementing the principles of Good Environmental Governance, community involvement, and adherence to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).