Jakarta, Aug. 22 -- Businesses across Java and Sumatra continue to struggle with prolonged disruptions in natural gas supply, despite assurances from state-owned distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) that conditions are gradually stabilising.

Several factories reported a modest improvement in gas pressure after weeks of drastic declines that had forced them to halt production, but many said supply remained unreliable.

Industry representatives noted that numerous sectors had been compelled to switch to light oil, compressed natural gas (CNG) or even coal - alternatives described as unsustainable due to high costs and the setback they pose to Indonesia's energy transition goals.

The shortage began on August 13, following unplanned m...