PGN Explores 9.7 TCF Coalbed Methane Potential in Tanjung Enim

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (Persero) Tbk (PGN), the Gas Subholding of Pertamina, is fully committed to optimising the use of domestic gas potential to support the strengthening of national energy security. To this end, PGN is seeking new, non-conventional supply sources by implementing gasification programmes from gas molecules and other existing supply sources. One ongoing initiative is the utilisation of Coalbed Methane (CBM), or coal-based gas, which can be processed into methane gas to increase PGN’s supply.

For PGN, the development of CBM in Tanjung Enim has the potential to unlock the monetisation of domestic non-conventional gas resources that have so far been underutilised. This initiative could also serve as a diversification option for PGN’s domestic gas supply to support industrial and power generation needs. According to data from the Directorate General, the CBM potential in Tanjung Enim is estimated to reach approximately 9.7 TCF of Original Gas in Place (OGIP), with an estimated gas potential value of around US$15.4 billion.

PGN has affirmed its technical and commercial readiness through the formulation of a gas utilisation scheme, with distribution targets projected to grow gradually from 1 MMSCFD to 25 MMSCFD. On Friday (3/7/2026), PGN received a working visit from the Chief of the Presidential Staff, General (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Dudung Abdurachman, and his staff at the Pagardewa Gas Receiving Station and Gas Compressor Station. The visit was also attended by the Chief of Staff of the Sriwijaya Regional Military Command, the Regional Secretary of South Sumatra Province, the Regional Secretary of Muara Enim Regency, and other relevant stakeholders.

During the visit, the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) emphasised its role in ensuring that national priority programmes run effectively and on target, particularly those closely related to energy security, increasing domestic production capacity, and reducing dependence on energy imports. The Chief of the Presidential Staff stated that accelerating the CBM utilisation project is a shared concern due to its strategic value for national interests. He noted that while several administrative aspects still need to be resolved, including adjustments to the Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR), all parties have agreed on the importance of expediting the process in accordance with applicable regulations. The KSP is pushing for the resolution of cross-sectoral obstacles so that the commercialisation of coalbed methane from the Muara Enim area can commence promptly, with administrative completion still following established mechanisms and provisions.

PGN President Director Arief K. Risdianto expressed appreciation for the KSP’s support in strengthening domestic gas resources and reducing national energy imports, particularly in leading solutions to overcome obstacles in gas infrastructure development in the Pagardewa area and its surroundings. Beyond coalbed methane, PGN is also exploring supply potential from biomethane derived from palm oil mill effluent and Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG), with significant potential for all three sources in South Sumatra.

“In an effort to maintain supply stability while utilising the natural resources available in South Sumatra, PGN is developing injection point infrastructure. This infrastructure will serve as a gas collection point where gas from three sources—coalbed methane, biomethane, and others—will be gathered and then injected into the existing transmission pipeline,” explained Arief. The integration of pipeline and non-pipeline infrastructure is key to the effectiveness of this energy absorption. With a solid track record and an extensive gas infrastructure portfolio as Pertamina’s Gas Subholding, PGN is ready to play its strategic role as the main bridge between gas supply sources and the public, while adhering to the principles of good corporate governance.

PGN underscored that accelerating this strategic project requires support from all stakeholders. The company considers the KSP’s support crucial in bridging communication between stakeholders to ensure coordination is more tactical and effective, aligned with each party’s role, and results in clear follow-up actions at every level. “PGN affirms its long-term commitment to supporting government policies. From Muara Enim and Pagardewa, PGN is determined to deliver clean, reliable domestic energy solutions that provide a broad multiplier effect for the community and contribute to the regional economy,” concluded Arief.