By Alexander Ginting
Andrea Stegher, President of the International Gas Union (IGU), emphasized the crucial role of natural gas in supporting Indonesia's energy transition during his keynote at the IndoGAS 2025 conference held earlier this week. The event, which gathered industry leaders and policymakers, addressed the challenges and opportunities facing Indonesia’s gas and LNG sector.
Stegher framed the energy transition as a balancing act between three key elements: affordability, availability, and sustainability. He noted that natural gas is essential for emerging economies like Indonesia to meet these goals. "Gas is the energy resource that can enable countries like Indonesia to grow sustainably while stabilizing industrial output," Stegher stated.
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Highlighting Indonesia’s ambitious climate goals, Stegher pointed out that the country is under significant pressure to phase out coal in power generation and reduce oil use in transport. He identified natural gas, LNG, and biomethane as the most suitable solutions for Indonesia to meet its decarbonization targets. "Gas provides Indonesia with the energy security, availability, and affordability necessary for a sustainable energy transition," he explained.
Stegher also addressed the current challenges in the global LNG market, including supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks. These challenges, particularly the importance of the Strait of Hormuz for Asian LNG imports, have further complicated global energy dynamics.
The IGU President concluded with a call to action for Indonesia, stating that the country is not at a crossroads but at the beginning of an opportunity to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, support large-scale infrastructure projects, and accelerate decarbonization efforts. Stegher emphasized that tapping into the full potential of natural gas could drive Indonesia’s economic growth and sustainability goals, offering a clear path forward for the country’s energy future.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak
