Indonesia is one of the largest natural gas-producing countries or regions in the world. Worldometers reports that currently, Indonesia is in the 13th position as a country with the largest natural gas reserves in the world.
The total reserves are 103,350,000 million cubics per day. In percentage terms, Indonesia stores 1.5% of natural gas or natural gas from worldwide funds. At the same time, the first place is occupied by Russia.
Meanwhile, in the Asia Pacific, Indonesia is one of the countries with the largest reserves among other Asia Pacific countries. Therefore, it is one of the essential sources of energy and contributes significantly to human life.
What is Natural Gas?
Increasingly modern life requires humanity to always move fast. This encourages the creation of various modern machines and equipment that require energy sources, one of which is natural gas.
So, what is the meaning of this energy source? Natural gas is a fossil fuel in the form of gas formed from the remains of animals, plants, and microorganisms. The remains are stored for millions of years under the earth’s surface.
Indonesia is known as a country with a wealth of flora and fauna. This is why our government has many mines that produce this fossil fuel. This energy source has similarities with crude oil and coal derived from the remains of plants, animals, and microorganisms. However, natural gas has a lower carbon intensity.
So it is considered cleaner and safer than crude oil and coal. Natural gas-producing regions in Indonesia and abroad are the world’s energy suppliers.
So do not be surprised if the production continues to be carried out on land and offshore (offshore). In Indonesia, the drilling for these energy sources is mostly offshore.
Like crude oil and coal, natural gas is a non-renewable energy source. So that one day, the reserves can run out if exploited continuously. In Indonesia, the management of fossil fuels is controlled by the state.
The Largest Natural Gas Producing Region in Indonesia
These non-renewable natural resources are widely used to support human needs. Such as producing fuel for ammonia (for manufacturing agricultural fertilizers). So, which areas make the largest natural gas in Indonesia?
1. East Kalimantan
East Kalimantan is one of the provinces on the island of Kalimantan and is the largest natural gas producer in Indonesia. In fact, in East Kalimantan, to be precise, the city of Bontang has the largest LNG plant in the world.
LNG is a type of natural gas that is cooled to a specific temperature so that its form changes to look like liquid. As a result, this liquid fossil fuel is easier to flow and ship to various regions.
The largest natural resource reserves in Bontang are managed by Pertamina, with the Mahakam block as its center. However, besides Bontang, other areas also produce this energy, such as Tarakan, Balikpapan, and Sanga Sanga block.
East Kalimantan was designated as the largest energy-producing province by ESDM in 2016. Total production reaches 23% of the total national production. Therefore, its production can supply energy for essential companies.
2. South Sumatra
The second natural gas-producing region in Indonesia is South Sumatra. Its largest production center is in Musi Banyuasin Regency. However, besides Musi Banyuasin, other areas also have abundant reserves.
These include the areas of Muara Enim, Sungai Gerong, and Plaju. In addition to supplying energy needs for the company, the production of these natural resources is also distributed to the surrounding community.
The local government is committed to this by building a network of 1000 pipes to distribute fuel to the surrounding community. That way, the community gets direct benefits for the needs of their daily activities.
3. West Papua
One of the easternmost provinces of Indonesia, namely West Papua, is also an area with the largest reserves that play an essential role in contributing to national production. Therefore, West Papua has extraordinary oil and gas potential in addition to tourism potential.
Bintuni Bay is the largest LNG (liquefied natural gas) mining and processing location in West Papua. The mine, built by the government, is believed to have reserves of up to 500 billion cubic meters.
Besides Bintuni Bay, other reserves are stored in the Sorong, Kapulanda, Babo, and Klamono areas. Currently, the funds in West Papua are the third largest on a national scale. However, until now, the government continues to optimize exploration activities.
4. Riau Islands
The natural gas-producing areas in Sumatra are not only controlled by South Sumatra. Riau Islands (Kepri) also has abundant reserves and ranks fourth in Indonesia. The fund is located in the Natuna Islands.
The wealth of non-renewable natural resources in the Natuna Islands is one of the causes of the territorial dispute between Indonesia and China. Besides Natuna, abundant reserves are also stored in the Anambas Islands.
5. West Java
Areas with abundant reserves are not only outside Java. West Java also has funds that contribute to national production. Is Jati Barang Majalengka, a mine managed by PT. Archipelago Regas.
Jati Barang Majalengka’s management results from a collaboration between Pertamina and PGN. The results of the production of fossil fuels are distributed for domestic energy needs.
Benefits of Natural Gas as an Energy Source
Exploration and exploitation of natural resources are done because they provide many human life benefits. The following are some of the benefits of natural gas.
1. Used for Fuel
The results of processing these energy sources are widely used as fuel in power plants such as PLTU and PLTG. In addition, it is also used as industrial fuel for vehicles.
2. Used for Raw Material
In addition to fuel, this energy is also used as raw material for various industries. For example, the manufacture of fertilizers, plastics, paints, and various other industries. In addition, manufacturing medicines to food products also sometimes involves this energy.
3. Export Commodities in the Energy Sector
Natural gas-producing regions do not only produce these energy sources for domestic needs. In addition, Liquified Natural Gas, aka liquefied natural gas, is one of the energy commodities exported to various countries.
Advantages of Natural Gas over Other Fuels
There are some interesting facts you need to know about this natural resource. This fact relates to why this energy source is better than other fuels.
1. Cleaner
These non-renewable energy sources have lower carbon dioxide (CO2) than fossil fuels, crude oil, and coal. The resulting emissions are 25% lower, so they are cleaner.
2. Can Be Disbursed
By lowering to a specific temperature, the energy form of the gas can be converted into a liquid. This is what is called LNG. LNG production makes it easy for distribution to both domestic and foreign countries because its flow does not require pipes.
Energy is a basic human life need in its activities, such as transportation, industry, economy, and other vital aspects. Therefore, in addition to discussing natural gas-producing areas, follow our other interesting articles.
Conclusion: Natural gas-producing areas in Indonesia with abundant reserves include East Kalimantan, South Sumatra, West Papua, Riau Islands, and West Java.
