Indonesia is taking concrete steps to strengthen national energy security through a strategic partnership with US-based technology company Latitude Energy. The two parties officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Jakarta on July 8, marking the beginning of exploring the development of a large-scale coal gasification project in the country through PT Danantara Development Management Fund.
The project will rely on a cutting-edge technology called Transport Integrated Gasification (TRIG). This innovation enables the conversion of coal, especially the low-calorie type abundant in Indonesia, into synthetic gas. This step is projected not only to reduce dependence on imported energy but also to drive the development of a more independent national downstream industry.
The Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in Jakarta, Joy M. Sakurai, stated that this collaboration reflects the strong investment relationship between the two countries. According to her, the utilization of advanced energy technology from the United States can act as a catalyst for long-term economic growth while supporting energy sovereignty for Indonesia.
Echoing this sentiment, the CEO of PT Danantara Development Management Fund, Sigit P. Santosa, emphasized that this cooperation aligns with the government's strategic vision to optimize domestic natural resources. Latitude Energy, through its President & Chief Executive Officer, Jacob Thomas, expressed its commitment to providing the necessary technical and management expertise to make this project a foundation for the development of similar technologies across Southeast Asia.
