PGN Boosts Bojonegoro MSME Competitiveness Through Natural Gas Utilisation

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (Persero) Tbk (PGN) is encouraging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bojonegoro, East Java, to utilise natural gas, citing its safety, efficiency, practicality, and environmental friendliness. PGN Area Head for Bojonegoro, Faishal Arief, stated that the company is committed to introducing natural gas as an energy source capable of boosting business competitiveness. He noted that using natural gas can help MSMEs reduce operational costs and obtain a more reliable energy supply. PGN organised an event titled ‘Synergy with PGN Bojonegoro Area: Realising Resilient, Energy-Efficient, and Competitive MSMEs’ to promote natural gas usage among small business operators. During the event, PGN also emphasised the importance of safety aspects in natural gas usage for MSMEs. PGN Sales representative for Bojonegoro, Eko Suprayitno, explained that natural gas is lighter than air, allowing it to easily evaporate into the atmosphere, is not highly explosive, is environmentally friendly, and has been treated with an odorant so leaks are more easily detected. Eko reminded customers to maintain safe gas installations by keeping pipes away from fire sources 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 advised the public not to panic, not to ignite flames or operate 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 a house connection, customers are urged to immediately close the gas valve and contact the Pertamina Call Centre at 135 or PGN’s WhatsApp service for further handling. Meanwhile, Yuri Nur Rahmawati, Head of Trade Business Development at the Bojonegoro Regency Trade, Cooperatives, and MSMEs Office, explained that one of her agency’s duties is to maintain stock stability and the availability of staple and essential goods, both subsidised and non-subsidised. Regarding PGN’s gas network development, Yuri assessed that the people of Bojonegoro are eagerly awaiting the expansion of the service because natural gas offers many advantages, from stable supply to being highly suitable for business operators. She expressed hope that the gas network will be further expanded.