Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) claims its newly developed Adsorbed Natural Gas (ANG) technology could potentially reduce the government’s annual Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) subsidy burden by up to Rp26 trillion. This assertion was made during a meeting between BRIN head Arif Satria and President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, where over 150 BRIN researchers were present. According to Satria, the technology leverages Indonesia’s domestic natural gas resources to provide a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to imported LPG. The meeting took place on Thursday, following BRIN’s presentation of ANG as part of its broader portfolio of energy-related innovations aimed at enhancing national energy security. Satria emphasized that the technology represents a major breakthrough in natural gas storage, using metal-organic framework materials to allow compressed natural gas (CNG) to be stored at significantly higher volumes compared to traditional methods. The process works at a pressure of 30 bar, enabling a standard-sized gas cylinder to hold enough gas to last approximately 15 days instead of the usual 10. BRIN’s research into ANG began in collaboration with a laboratory associated with Susumu Kitagawa, the 2025 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. The technology has been designed to operate safely at lower pressures than conventional CNG systems, which makes it a viable substitute for LPG. Satria explained that the ability to store more gas in smaller containers reduces dependency on costly LPG imports, thereby saving foreign exchange and reducing the financial strain on the state budget. President Prabowo Subianto reportedly endorsed the initiative, urging BRIN to expedite the implementation of the technology. He highlighted the importance of leveraging Indonesia’s vast natural gas reserves to decrease reliance on imported fuels and improve overall energy security. BRIN aims to complete field tests for ANG by 2026 and start deploying the technology as an alternative to LPG by 2027. Alongside the introduction of ANG, BRIN presented a range of other innovations to the president, including advancements in food science, health technologies, transportation, and renewable energy. The agency showcased between 150 and 200 different products developed by its 12 research clusters. These innovations span multiple sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure, reflecting BRIN’s broad mandate to drive scientific progress across various domains. The development of ANG aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. With the current global energy landscape shifting toward cleaner and more efficient alternatives, BRIN’s work on ANG positions Indonesia as a leader in developing indigenous energy solutions. However, challenges remain in scaling up the technology for mass adoption, particularly in terms of ensuring affordability and reliability for end-users. The potential impact of ANG extends beyond just economic savings. By promoting the use of domestic natural gas, the technology supports Indonesia’s goal of achieving greater energy self-sufficiency. This is especially crucial given the country’s growing demand for energy and the need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. BRIN continues to refine the technology, aiming to extend the usage period of ANG cylinders even further, which would enhance its appeal as a practical replacement for LPG. As the trials proceed, the success of ANG will depend on factors such as production costs, consumer acceptance, and regulatory approvals. BRIN is working closely with government agencies and industry stakeholders to ensure smooth integration of the technology into existing energy infrastructure. If successful, ANG could mark a turning point in Indonesia’s energy policy, offering a sustainable solution to one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
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