President Prabowo Instructs to Speed Up Response to Power Outages, Maintain Fuel Price Stability

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed relevant authorities to take immediate measures to resolve the power outages affecting several regions. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia delivered the message during a press statement at Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (8/4).

“We acknowledge that there are still power outages in several areas, particularly in Kalimantan. Therefore, the President has instructed me to work closely with PLN, a state-owned electricity company, to implement measurable and effective steps to resolve the issue,” Bahlil said.

Bahlil further explained that the outages were not caused by insufficient energy supply. According to PLN, the disruptions were due to scheduled maintenance, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, together with PLN, would promptly address the issue.

“Based on information from PLN, the outages are related to maintenance work. There is no issue with the energy supply itself,” he stated.

Regarding national fuel prices, Minister Bahlil said that President Prabowo had directed the government to maintain fuel price stability, particularly for subsidized fuel. He added that the government would also consider adjusting the prices of non-subsidized fuel in line with movements in global crude oil prices.

“The President has instructed that subsidized fuel prices must not be increased. However, if global crude oil prices decline, we will also consider adjusting non-subsidized fuel prices to reflect market conditions. If prices go down, then they should go down,” he explained.

Regarding the downstream program, Bahlil emphasized that the government would ensure all national companies whose Coal Mining Concession Agreements (PKP2B) have been extended into Special Mining Business Licenses (IUPK) fulfil their downstream processing commitments in accordance with existing regulations.

“The President has instructed that these commitments must be fully implemented in accordance with the law. If any company fails to comply, immediate and measurable actions must be taken to ensure implementation is consistent with Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution,” Bahlil concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/LW)