Pertamina Studies Gas Distribution Technology with Japanese Partners

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – State-owned national energy company PT Pertamina (Persero) has entered into a study partnership with Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd. and Atomis Inc. to assess the potential of gas storage and distribution technology based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The collaboration is intended to support the use of domestic energy resources and broaden access to energy for Indonesians.

As an archipelagic country, Indonesia needs a range of energy distribution solutions capable of serving areas with differing geographical conditions and infrastructure. Pertamina is examining the development of gas storage and transport technology that does not rely on pipelines as a possible complement to existing infrastructure.

The partnership was formalised in a Joint Study Agreement (JSA) signed on 23 October 2026 by Pertamina Senior Vice President of Technology Innovation & Implementation Hana Timoti; Atomis Representative Director and CEO Daisuke Asari; and Yachiyo Engineering Director and Executive Officer, Head of the Business Development Division Kenjiro Yamanaka.

The signing was witnessed by representatives of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ Directorate General of Oil and Gas, including Downstream Oil and Gas Safety Coordinator Yuki Haidir, and Japan’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Atsushi Ueno.

Pertamina Deputy President Director Mega Satria said strategic collaboration and technological innovation were part of the company’s efforts to develop business opportunities, improve operational efficiency and strengthen national energy security. Through partnerships with international companies, Pertamina is seeking technological solutions to support energy diversification and optimise the use of domestic gas resources.

MOF-based gas storage technology could complement existing energy distribution options, including in areas not served by pipeline networks.

“Going forward, this study needs to be carried out systematically, with close coordination among the parties, clear objectives, and measurable stages and outcomes. Safety, technical and economic feasibility, regulatory compliance and risk management must be key considerations, so that the findings can provide a sound basis for decision-making and create added value for Pertamina and national energy security,” Mega said in an official statement on Monday (26 October 2026).

Pertamina Vice President of Corporate Communication Muhammad Baron said that, as the national energy company, Pertamina had a strategic role in connecting Indonesia’s energy resources with the needs of communities across the country.

“Indonesia has energy resources that need distribution solutions suited to the characteristics of an archipelagic country. As a state-owned national energy company, Pertamina continues to explore innovations to strengthen energy security and expand public access to affordable energy,” Baron said.

Under the joint study, Pertamina and its partners will assess Atomis’s CubiTan® technology. It uses porous MOF material to adsorb, or bind, gas molecules to its surface, potentially enabling methane to be stored at lower pressure than in conventional compressed natural gas systems.

The study will assess the technology’s suitability for gas storage and transport, particularly in areas with limited pipeline access. It will also examine the potential use of natural gas as an alternative in applications currently using LPG. If it meets technical, safety, regulatory and economic requirements, the technology could support energy supply diversification and optimise domestic gas resources, including efforts to reduce dependence on imported LPG.

Baron stressed that the partnership was still at the study stage and aimed to establish a measurable basis for decisions before any further development was considered.

“Innovation must deliver tangible benefits and meet Indonesia’s needs. That is why we prioritise comprehensive testing of safety, operational feasibility and economic viability. The technology under study is expected to complement gas distribution options while supporting the use of domestic resources,” Baron added.

The collaboration will also examine the Smart Gas Network concept developed by Yachiyo Engineering and Atomis. The concept combines gas storage containers with remote monitoring to support delivery planning and gas-use management.

The parties will assess whether the concept is suited to Indonesia’s infrastructure, user needs and applicable regulations. The potential use of domestic gas sources, including biomass-based gas, may also be considered within the scope of the study.

As an integrated national energy company operating from upstream to downstream, Pertamina continues to strengthen its core businesses while developing low-carbon business opportunities through its dual-growth strategy. Technology partnerships form part of this effort to support energy availability, access, affordability and public acceptance, while strengthening national energy security.