Natural Gas Infrastructure Boosts Industrial Competitiveness in Sei Mangkei SEZ
PT Pertamina Gas (Pertagas) is strengthening its support for downstream industrial development in the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), North Sumatra, by providing reliable natural gas supply to industrial players. This effort is carried out through synergy with its subsidiary, PT Pertagas Niaga (PTGN), to ensure the energy needs of industries in this nationally strategic area are met sustainably.
Pertagas President Director Indra P Sembiring stated the company’s commitment is realised through the development of energy infrastructure and natural gas distribution services that support industrial activities in the Sei Mangkei SEZ. One form of this support is evident in the gas-in and commissioning process conducted by PTGN for the facilities of PT Guthrie International Sei Mangkei Refinery. This stage is an important step before the palm oil processing and refining company enters full commercial operation in June 2026.
The presence of GISMR adds to the list of industries utilising natural gas in the Sei Mangkei SEZ. Previously, PTGN had supplied natural gas to PT Evyap Sabun Indonesia, an oleochemical company operating in the area, with a supply volume reaching 3,800 MMBTUD. The increasing use of natural gas by various industrial sectors demonstrates the growing role of this energy source in improving operational efficiency, productivity, and supporting national downstream industrial development.
Indra assessed that the development of natural gas utilisation in the Sei Mangkei SEZ is part of Pertamina’s Gas Subholding strategy to provide energy capable of supporting industrial growth and investment in nationally strategic areas. “The presence of natural gas not only reliably supports customers’ energy needs but also serves as a driver of industrial growth in the region,” he said.
Through the collaboration between Pertagas and PTGN, the company delivers integrated energy solutions to support more efficient, competitive, and sustainable industrial development. During the GISMR commissioning process, PTGN supplied natural gas with volumes ranging from 209 to 1,330 MMBTUD according to the plant’s utility testing requirements, specifically for boiler operations before the facility enters full production.
PT Pertagas Niaga President Director Toto Yulianto said that gas supply during the commissioning stage is a strategic step to ensure the operational readiness of industrial facilities while enhancing the competitiveness of the downstream sector. According to him, reliable natural gas supply can help industries improve efficiency and productivity, while strengthening the development of strategic industrial areas such as the Sei Mangkei SEZ.
To support customer energy needs, Pertagas also built a pipeline network connecting existing gas infrastructure with industrial facilities. For the GISMR project, the company constructed an interconnection pipeline that enables energy supply to be distributed safely and sustainably. Meanwhile, PTGN carries out the function of providing natural gas, managing commercial relationships with customers, and ensuring gas distribution meets industrial operational requirements.
With more companies utilising natural gas in the Sei Mangkei SEZ, Pertamina’s Gas Subholding is optimistic that the presence of reliable energy infrastructure and services will increase investment attractiveness, accelerate downstream industrial development, and contribute positively to regional and national economic growth.