PLN EPI Secures 10-Year Gas Supply
PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) has secured a gas supply of 111 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) for 10 years from the Mako Gas Field in the Duyung Working Area, Natuna Islands. The certainty was obtained after the project officially reached Final Investment Decision (FID) stage.
The gas field, operated by West Natuna Exploration Limited (WNEL), is located offshore Natuna, Riau Islands, with a seabed depth of around 80 metres. The FID was announced at the office of the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Activities (SKK Migas) and attended by government officials and project partners.
The Head of SKK Migas, Djoko Siswanto, said the FID approval marks an important milestone for boosting national gas production. He noted that the investment decision signals the project’s readiness to enter the construction and full execution phase.
“This FID approval confirms the project’s readiness to enter the construction and full execution phase in the effort to increase national gas lifting,” Djoko said, quoted from a written statement on Friday, 6 March 2026.
He explained that the project has undergone a long process since the signing of a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) in 2007, the discovery of gas reserves in 2017, the approval of the Plan of Development (POD) in 2019, the POD revision in 2022, and the signing of a Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (PJBG) in 2025. After the FID in 2026, the gas field is targeted to begin production in 2027.
PLN Energi Primer Indonesia’s President Director, Rakhmad Dewanto, welcomed the achievement of the Mako Field’s FID. He said the decision ensures gas supply in line with the PJBG signed between PLN EPI and WNEL on 11 July 2025.
The agreement is also part of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ assignment to PLN Energi Primer Indonesia to build and operate the WNTS–Pemping gas pipeline.
“With this FID, the gas supply schedule target in the PJBG can be met to ensure gas supply for power plants, particularly in the Batam area and central Sumatra,” said Rakhmad.
He noted that electricity demand in the region grows by about 12–15 percent per year and is largely met by gas-fired plants. On the other hand, gas supplies from the mainland Sumatra region are beginning to decline, making Natuna supplies increasingly important to support national energy security.
Rakhmad added that PLN EPI is also currently building the WNTS–Pemping pipeline to transport gas from Natuna to Batam. The infrastructure is expected to become the main distribution artery for Natuna gas to the power system in the area.
Erma Melina Sarahwati, Director of Gas and BBM at PLN EPI, said the construction of the WNTS–Pemping pipeline is progressing as planned. The project began construction with a groundbreaking on 10 February 2026 and is targeted to begin operations in July 2026.
“This pipeline will be an important link to transport gas from Natuna to the Batam power system,” she said.
She added that developing this gas infrastructure also aligns with the national energy transition strategy, which promotes cleaner, more efficient energy from domestic sources.
“Developing gas infrastructure will not only strengthen national energy security but also support the transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy system,” Erma said.