KSP Confirms Free Installation of Natural Gas Networks, Residents Urged to Report If Charged

SIDOARJO, KOMPAS.com - Presidential Chief of Staff General TNI (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman has confirmed that the installation of household natural gas networks (jargas) in Sidoarjo and Gresik regencies, East Java, is free of charge.

Dudung made the statement while inspecting the accelerated operation of jargas at the Kalipecabean Village Hall, Candi District, Sidoarjo Regency, East Java.

There are 14,586 household connections (SR) in Sidoarjo and Gresik, comprising 7,223 SR in Sidoarjo and 7,363 SR in Gresik. This development is part of a target to reach 119,379 SR across 15 regencies and cities by 2025-2026 to support the national goal of building 1 million SR.

Dudung explained that the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) is overseeing the program after identifying several obstacles hindering the jargas operation.

These challenges include environmental approvals such as Environmental Management Efforts and Environmental Monitoring Efforts (UKL-UPL), technical recommendations for regency roads, river crossings, and local government levies.

"This visit is my duty to oversee national priority programs as directed by the President, especially to safeguard energy self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on LPG imports," Dudung said on Friday (18/9/2026).

His office then coordinated with the East Java Provincial Government, Sidoarjo Regency Government, and Gresik Regency Government to resolve these issues.

He noted that the problems found were not only related to the environment but also involved land affairs and local government authority.

"Before this gas network can be implemented on the ground, many obstacles affected the installation. There were environmental problems, land issues, ATR/BPN (Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Agency), including local governments. KSP is here to resolve these programs," he explained.

After addressing these issues, Dudung emphasized that the public does not need to pay for the installation of gas networks into their homes. He also urged residents to report if anyone demands fees.

"The installation of the network, pipes, and lines is free of charge, no fee required. So, if there are any individuals exploiting the situation, please report them to the relevant authorities immediately," Dudung affirmed.

The government projects that the total use of 14,586 SR in Sidoarjo and Gresik could reduce subsidized 3-kilogram LPG consumption by approximately 36,600 cylinders per month. This program also aims to lessen reliance on imported LPG.

In Sidoarjo Regency, jargas has already been connected in several areas, including Waru, Candi, and Tanggulangin districts.

One resident of Kalijaten Village, Candi District, Sidoarjo, Linda Widyaningsih, said using jargas has lowered her cooking expenses compared to using LPG cylinders.

"Before, I usually finished three cylinders per month, costing Rp 60,000 because each cylinder was Rp 20,000. Now, using jargas, it only costs between Rp 35,000 to a maximum of Rp 50,000 per month," Linda said.

Once licensing issues are resolved, KSP urges the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to promptly appoint the managing business entity and issue natural gas trading permits.

Meanwhile, SKK Migas is tasked with ensuring gas allocation handover points, while BPH Migas prepares the household gas tariff scheme.