TEMPO.CO, Semarang - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) is scheduled to conduct the groundbreaking of gas pipeline construction laying from Kepodang Field, Muriah block to Tambak Lorok power plant in Semarang, Central Java.

"This construction proves the state's commitment in the utilization of gas for the people," Energy and Resources Ministry spokesman Saleh Abdurrahman said yesterday. This pipeline will distribute gas from Kepodang field to Tambak Lorok that has been existing since the Dutch colonial era. State-owned gas company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PT PGN) aims to revive the gas distribution in Semarang.

PT PGN's corporate communication chief, Ridha Ababil, said the pipeline program from East Java to Central Java covers Gresik regency. The construction is also planned for Semarang-Cirebon (Central Java-West Java) and Kalimantan-Java. "We see a great potential for Semarang citizens through gas from Kepodang field," said Ridha.

Semarang can use natural gas from Kepodang field for Tambak power plant and there will also be distribution network corridor I that covers Kendal-Semarang-Demak which is 48-kilometer long with 16-inch pipe's diameter.

Ridha guaranteed the pipeline will ease the people in Central Java in harnessing the region's gas potential. "We will revive the gas network in Semarang," he said.

EDI FAISOL