Subholding Gas Pertamina and Blue Bird Collaborate to Optimize CNG Utilization

Jakarta – PT Gagas Energi Indonesia (“Gagas”), a part of Pertamina's Subholding Gas, continues to offer GasKu, a clean energy alternative as a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel. Since CNG has lower emissions compared to other fossil fuels, it serves as an environmentally friendly energy option for vehicles.

“Currently, the majority of CNG users are public transport vehicles—about 90%—such as taxis, bajaj, angkot, and Trans Jakarta. These vehicles benefit the most in terms of fuel efficiency. The reason for this significant savings is that these vehicles typically drive the most kilometers per day. CNG costs just 4,500 rupiah per liter, which leads to about 55% savings,” explained Muhammad Hardiansyah, President Director of Gagas, during a talk show on CNG as an alternative energy source at IIMS 2024 (February 23, 2024).

Gagas continues to develop CNG infrastructure to support the provision of environmentally friendly energy in line with the goal of achieving Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060. One of the main advantages of CNG is that it reduces vehicle emissions by around 25-35%, making it a cleaner energy source.

Gagas’ commitment to providing low-emission energy alternatives aligns with Blue Bird’s long-standing dedication to environmental contribution. Since 2017, Blue Bird has been using CNG in its fleet as part of its environmental initiative.

Furthermore, Blue Bird has committed to a long-term goal, "Blue Bird 5030," which aims to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. “Our focus is on improving the environment, as the environmental impact is significant. The emissions from gas use are about 60% lower compared to conventional vehicles because there’s less carbon and fewer pollutants, making it more environmentally friendly,” said Astu Rahindo, VP of Engineering at Blue Bird Group.

Currently, Blue Bird has converted 3,200 of its vehicles to run on CNG, which accounts for approximately 25% of its total fleet. The company uses advanced dual-fuel technology, allowing a seamless switch between fuel types. This ensures better combustion due to the higher octane of CNG. Additionally, Blue Bird’s fleet is equipped with excellent safety features.

“We plan to add 500 more vehicles this year, step by step, in line with GasKu’s development and government programs,” Astu added.

Hardiansyah emphasized that Gagas will continue to optimize the use of CNG as part of the transition to New Renewable Energy. Gagas also supports Pertamina’s program by providing all types of energy, from fossil fuels to efficient and low-emission fuels like CNG. Since CNG is sourced domestically, it contributes to reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, CNG does not compete with other fuels but complements them.

“Another benefit of using CNG is that it provides an alternative energy source without increasing the number of vehicles, as all that’s needed is the installation of a converter kit,” Hardiansyah concluded.

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