Scientific Oration by Prof. Sanggono: Natural Gas as a Clean Energy Source and Petrochemical Feedstock in Indonesia
By Erika Winfellina Sibarani - Mahasiswa Matematika, 2021
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – Amid the global challenge of climate change caused by CO2 emissions, Indonesia is being urged to utilize its natural resources sustainably. Natural gas emerges as a strategic solution, playing a central role in the transition to clean energy while also serving as a vital feedstock for the national petrochemical industry. This topic was the focal point of a scientific oration titled “Natural Gas as a Clean Energy Source and Petrochemical Feedstock in Indonesia,” delivered by Prof. Ir. Sanggono Adisasmito, M.Sc., Ph.D., at the West Hall of ITB Ganesha Campus on Saturday (July 19, 2025).
Prof. Sanggono currently serves as the Head of the Center for Carbon Dioxide and Flare Gas Utilization at ITB. He is also the founder of the Indonesian Association of Higher Education in Chemical Engineering (APTEKIM). Prof. Sanggono actively conducts research in energy transition technology and carbon dioxide emission reduction, and has published over 80 scientific articles. For his dedication, he received the ITB Rector's Award for Research and Innovation Achievement in 2024.
In his oration, Prof. Sanggono emphasized that natural gas holds a strategic position in Indonesia's national energy landscape. “Natural gas plays a crucial role as it is one of the primary energy sources for a clean energy transition, whether for electricity generation or transportation. From an environmental perspective, natural gas also has the advantage of producing relatively lower CO2 emissions, significantly reducing air pollutants compared to petroleum fuels and coal,” he stated.
However, he acknowledged that the use of natural gas for electricity generation is expected to lead to a substantial increase in production costs. “Currently, we enjoy low electricity prices because the main feedstock is coal. If gas replaces coal, production costs will inevitably rise. Therefore, PT PLN has implemented a blending policy to keep electricity affordable for the public,” Prof. Sanggono explained.
In the transportation sector, he asserted that natural gas is a clean and efficient solution toward sustainable mobility. The advantages of natural gas as a transportation fuel include:
1. Environmentally friendly: CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 30% compared to diesel; particulate and NOx emissions are reduced by up to 90%, and it is sulfur-free;
2. Efficient and economical: Lower engine maintenance costs—10–15% less than gasoline and 12% less than diesel;
3. Superior engine performance: High compression ratio (120–130), resulting in more efficient combustion and higher thermal efficiency—35–38% compared to gasoline.
Prof. Sanggono also highlighted the significant potential of natural gas as a high-value petrochemical feedstock.
“Natural gas, or methane, becomes highly valuable when converted into petrochemical commodities such as methanol and syngas. These can be further processed into MTBE, olefins, gasoline, and others. Therefore, producing methanol from natural gas not only enhances energy independence but also strengthens the biodiesel supply chain,” he said.
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