REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BALI - Indonesian Government prefers allocating gas for local demand rather than exporting it. The plan was aimed to support the target of national economic growth, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Jero Wacik said.

"The consequence is that the number of exported gas will be decreased if we cannot produce more," he said on Monday. Minister Wacik plans to deliver and explain the plan to gas industries in Asia-Pacific on international gas conference in Bali on Tuesday, October 9.

He explained that local gas demand was increasing sharply due to positive Indonesian economic growth and the plan to convert oil to gas. Most Indonesians currently use oil as energy resource but the oil reserve is decreasing while the price is increasing.

"We will prioritize the usage of gas instead of oil. The price is cheaper and it is environmental friendly," he said.

Minister is still calculating number for reduction. Yet, he said the export to current gas importers can still be maintained as long as the countries were willing to invest on the procurement of alternative energy, such as development of wind, geothermal, and solar energy, in Indonesia.

"If the alternative energy can fulfill local demand, we can export gas," he said.

The international gas conference held in Bali will be attended by 15 Asia-Pacific countries which produce and consume gas. They will discuss the future of gas consumption and management in the region.

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