President Subianto Sets Strategic Plan for National Energy Independence and Targeted Subsidies in High-Level Meeting

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia provided a comprehensive press statement following an internal meeting addressing energy independence and targeted subsidies, at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on October 31, 2024. (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Vico)

President Prabowo Subianto Thursday (10/31) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, outlined strategic actions for enhancing national energy independence and implementing targeted energy subsidies.

Speaking to the press at the Presidential Palace Complex after the meeting, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that the core objective of the discussions was to significantly boost domestic oil production, which is currently distributed across 301 working areas.

Mr Lahadalia also stated that there are currently oil reserves across approximately 301 working areas but none have advanced to the Plan of Development (POD) stage.

However, he assured that this matter will be addressed promptly and decisively.

The Minister also emphasized the strategic importance of revitalizing 4,500 inactive oil wells, a cornerstone of President Subianto’s vision for energy independence.

To advance this goal, Mr  Lahadila said he had tasked Mr Aris Marsudiyanto, Head of the Special Investigation and Development Control Agency, to actively address technical obstacles involved.

Mr Lahadila stated: “I sought assistance from Mr. Marsudiyanto, Head of the Special Investigation and Development Control Agency, on ways to expedite processes when facing obstacles,” he said.

The meeting also underscored the importance of optimizing energy subsidies for more precise targeting.

Mr Lahadalia, designated as the lead for this policy initiative, also said that a comprehensive strategy for more efficient energy subsidy allocation is currently in development.

“The data must be precise and fully aligned with our targets. Subsidies will only be provided if they meet these stringent standards,” he said, adding that his Ministry is also dedicated to ensuring that the appointed team completes this task swiftly, with their findings reported directly to President Subianto to aid in informed decision-making.

“Once this team completes their work, we will be ready to present our recommendations to the President,” the Minister stated. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/ABD)