Eligible Beneficiaries Prioritized to Receive Subsidized Fuel, Minister Says

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia assured that the Government continues to maintain fuel supply, particularly subsidized fuel, to meet public demand. At the same time, the Government encouraged more targeted subsidy distribution for eligible beneficiaries.

“The Government will ensure sufficient supplies to meet the public’s needs, particularly in subsidized fuel,” the Minister said in a statement after attending a Plenary Session of the National Energy Council (DEN), chaired by President Prabowo Subianto at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (9/17).

The Minister further highlighted a shift in consumption from non-subsidized fuel to subsidized fuel. People with sufficient financial means should also help ensure that those who can afford non-subsidized fuel do not buy subsidized fuel.

“Regarding the shift in behavior from people who previously did not use subsidized fuel to now using it, my advice as an Indonesian citizen to my fellow Indonesians who can afford it, and I apologize for putting it this way, but if you drive a BMW or other high-end cars—please, let’s also use our conscience. Let’s not use subsidized fuel,” he stressed.

He emphasized that subsidized fuel is meant for eligible beneficiaries. Therefore, well-targeting is important for the program.

“It is intended for our fellow citizens who are entitled to receive it; in other words, subsidies should be properly targeted,” he continued.

Regarding the possibility of strengthening regulations, the Minister said the Government would consider the matter further, as changes to regulations require a process. However, he stressed that it remains important to appeal to people who can afford non-subsidized fuel.

“I will consider it, and we will see. But I need to talk about it first because regulations require a process. But this appeal is important,” he said.

The Minister also called on those who can afford it to let those who genuinely need subsidized fuel.

“If you have a sufficient income, a good house, please use your conscience. I must say this because I am a minister who once relied on subsidized rice myself. So, please let the people who are entitled to it have what is rightfully theirs. Those who can afford it should not take it,” he stressed.

The Government remains committed to maintaining fuel supplies while improving subsidy distribution so that it reaches the intended beneficiaries more accurately. Therefore, the Government’s support can be received fairly by those who are genuinely in need. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/MMB)