Jakarta, May 19 -- Indonesia's Energy Ministry said the country will continue developing its dimethyl ether, or DME, project as part of efforts to diversify liquefied petroleum gas substitutes, even as the government accelerates compressed natural gas initiatives.

Energy Ministry Secretary General Ahmad Erani Yustika said on Tuesday that the government was pursuing multiple energy alternatives to strengthen long-term energy security.

"LPG remains available and production continues. Then there will be CNG, DME and several other options that must be explored," Yustika said.

He said the coal gasification-based DME project remained under consideration for investment by Danantara despite growing government focus on CNG development.

Accordi...