<p>Semarang. A $1.7 billion gas pipe transmission project in Central Java finally saw a ground-breaking ceremony on Friday after eight years of delay, following the government's decision to allow state-owned gas company Perusahaan Gas Negara to take over the project from Bakrie &amp; Brothers, the previous tender winner.</p><p>President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono attended the ground-breaking ceremony in Semarang, the capital of Central Java province, on Friday.</p><p>Jero Wacik, the energy and mineral resources minister, said an integrated gas pipe transmission network was vital for economic development in the province.</p><p>"The availability of a cheap energy source like natural gas will encourage more investment into the manufacturing sector," he said.</p><p><a href="http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/business/eight-year-delay-work-starts-1-7b-c-java-pipeline/">Keep reading...</a></p>