PGN Boosts Bojonegoro MSME Competitiveness Through Natural Gas Utilisation
PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (Persero) Tbk (PGN) is driving the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM) in Bojonegoro, East Java, by encouraging the use of natural gas, which is a safe, efficient, practical and environmentally friendly energy source.
“PGN is committed to introducing natural gas as a source of energy that is safe, efficient, practical and environmentally friendly, while at the same time capable of improving the competitiveness of business actors,” said Faishal Arief, Area Head of PGN Bojonegoro Area, in a statement received in Surabaya on Wednesday.
Faishal said the use of natural gas can help SMEs reduce operational costs and obtain a more reliable energy supply.
PGN also organised an event titled Synergy with PGN Bojonegoro Area: Realising Resilient, Energy-Efficient and Competitive SMEs to encourage the use of natural gas among SME players.
At the event, PGN also emphasised the importance of safety aspects in the use of natural gas, including for SMEs.
Eko Suprayitno, Sales Officer at PGN Bojonegoro Area, explained that natural gas is lighter than air, so it easily evaporates into the atmosphere, is not prone to explosion, is environmentally friendly, and has been given an odourant so that leaks are easier to detect.
Eko reminded customers to keep gas installations safe, including by keeping pipes away from sources of fire and electrical installations, placing installations in dry and open areas, ensuring kitchens have good ventilation, and keeping gas meters out of children’s reach.
In the event of a gas leak, he said, the public is asked not to panic, not to light fires or switch on electrical equipment, to close all gas valves, to open doors and ventilation for smooth air circulation, and to check for leaks using soapy water on pipe connections.
“If a leak occurs at the house connection, customers are asked to immediately close the gas valve and contact the Pertamina Call Centre on 135 or PGN’s WhatsApp service for further handling,” said Eko.
Meanwhile, Yuri Nur Rahmawati, Head of Trade Business Development at the Bojonegoro Regency Trade, Cooperatives and SME Office, explained that one of her office’s duties is to maintain stock stability and the availability of essential and important goods, both subsidised and non-subsidised.
Regarding the development of PGN’s gas network (jargas), Yuri said the people of Bojonegoro are eagerly awaiting the expansion of the service, as natural gas offers many advantages, from a stable supply to being highly suitable for business actors.
“We hope the gas network will be expanded further,” said Yuri.