There Is An Issue Of Shell Layoffs, Bahlil Wants No Additional Movements

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia opened his voice regarding the issue of layoffs (PHK) that occurred within the private fuel operator of Shell Indonesia.

Bahlil said he had warned Shell Indonesia not to make additional movements. This is intended to create a conducive situation amidst the void in fuel that occurs.

"Please ask Shell and earlier I asked them not to have additional movements. We want everything to be peaceful," Bahlil told the media crew at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Building, Friday, September 19.

Bahlil said, in regulating a country, there are rules that must be obeyed by all parties. He emphasized that the government has made all efforts so that all parties get a good solution.

"I'm sure they also have a good heart. I've talked a lot with private friends," Bahlil explained.

Regarding the fuel vacancy that occurred, Bahlil said that both PT Pertamina (Persero) and the private user agency had agreed on a scheme to regulate the import of fuel oil (BBM).

This is done in order to maintain the balance of the trade balance as well as to regulate the fulfillment of fuel needs for the community.

"They agreed to collaborate with Pertamina, the condition is that it must be based on base fuel, meaning that it has not mixed. So the products will be mixed in each, the tanks at each gas station. This has also been approved, this is a solution," said Bahlil.

Regarding the quality of fuel, it has also been approved to conduct a joint survey before sending fuel.

Regarding the purchase price of fuel, the Government requested that it be carried out transparently and no party was harmed.

Bahlil also encouraged that in the next seven days, the imported fuel would arrive in Indonesia and be ready to be distributed to the public.

"And when asked when this will start, starting today it has been discussed. After this, it will be continued with a technical meeting of the stock. And then God willing, at no later than 7 days the goods will be able to enter Indonesia," he explained.

The regulation of fuel imports is the middle road to maintain national trade stability by reducing deficit pressures due to oil and gas imports, while ensuring the availability of domestic fuel supply remains safe.

This policy refers to Article 14 paragraph (1) of Presidential Decree Number 61 of 2024 concerning Commodity Balance. The regulation gives the authority to the Minister or Head of Institutions as sector supervisors to determine commodity needs plans.