PGN educates Bojonegoro MSMEs on safe gas usage

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (Persero) Tbk (PGN) has provided interactive education on the safe and optimal use of natural gas to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bojonegoro, East Java. PGN Bojonegoro Area Head Faishal Arief stated that the company aims to grow alongside the MSME sector, which serves as a driver of the local economy. Through this educational activity, the Pertamina Gas Subholding sought to disseminate understanding to the public regarding the characteristics of natural gas, safety culture, and initial steps for handling issues or incidents at business premises. In addition to introducing the efficiency and safety of natural gas, PGN is also present to ensure business operators can carry out their production activities comfortably. As a form of shared concern, PGN encourages everyone to maintain the reliability of gas installations at their business locations. Simple steps that can be taken include ensuring gas pipes are at a safe distance from sources of fire and electrical installations, placing gas installations in dry areas with good air circulation, and ensuring gas meters are in a safe area. ‘If you detect signs of a gas leak, the public should remain calm,’ said Faishal during the education session titled ‘Sinergi Bersama PGN Area Bojonegoro: Wujudkan UMKM Tangguh, Hemat Energi, dan Berdaya Saing’ in Bojonegoro on Wednesday. He continued that immediate safety steps should be taken, namely not lighting fires or using electrical equipment, closing all gas taps, opening doors and windows for smooth air circulation, and checking the leak point by wiping soapy water on pipe joints. Natural gas is lighter than air, so it easily evaporates into the atmosphere, is not easily combustible, is environmentally friendly, and has been given an odorant so leaks are more easily detected. ‘We want to always assist business operators. If there is a problem with the gas pipe connection installation, customers can immediately close the gas tap and contact the Pertamina Call Center at 135 or the official PGN WhatsApp service so that our technical team can immediately provide handling in accordance with safety and security standards,’ Faishal said. He added that the gas network infrastructure is actually as practical and safe as the water and electricity installations commonly used daily. Natural gas energy is channelled from PGN’s main pipe to the stoves or production equipment of business operators through a piping system neatly arranged on the wall. With this modern utility concept, MSMEs no longer need to dismantle and replace cylinders, thereby minimising the risk of fuel replacement and making the kitchen area much cleaner and more compact. The activity was also attended by the Head of Trade Business Development at the Bojonegoro Regency Trade, Cooperatives and MSMEs Office, Yuri Nur Rahmawati, a representative from the Bojonegoro Regional Secretariat’s Economy and Natural Resources Division, Wiega Bagus Andriyanto, as well as laundry business operators, MSMEs, restaurants, and the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI). ‘We thank the Trade, Cooperatives and MSMEs Office and the Economy and Natural Resources Division of the Bojonegoro Regional Secretariat for their continuous synergy in encouraging a progressive business climate and supporting the transition to sustainable energy use in Bojonegoro,’ Faishal said. He added that through the use of natural gas, business operators are expected to reduce operational costs while obtaining a reliable 24-hour energy supply. Yuri Nur Rahmawati assessed that the people of Bojonegoro are looking forward to the expansion of PGN’s gas network services. She noted that natural gas has many advantages, including a stable supply that is suitable for use by business operators. The Chairwoman of the Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (Iwapi) Bojonegoro, Sri Artiningsih, expressed her pleasure and the many benefits gained from the activity. ‘Natural gas eases the burden on our business. Besides being more economical, it is also practical, efficient, available 24 hours, and environmentally friendly,’ she said. Meanwhile, Dimas Setiawan from the Indonesian Laundry Association shared strategies for building an efficient laundry business, including the use of PGN natural gas to reduce operational costs.