Purbaya Turns Brain To Press Electricity Subsidies Without Burdening Consumers

JAKARTA - Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Purbaya Yudhi Sadivewa said the government was trying to suppress electricity subsidies without burdening the community with an increase in tariffs.

Purbaya said that one of the efforts discussed was the development of Solar Power Plants (PLTS) as well as the use of new and renewable energy (EBT) which was more efficient.

When in Hambalang yesterday, there was a discussion about the electricity subsidy reduction program with the use of Solar PLTS. But the price is still a bit high. Now we are looking for new technology so that the production price is close to low prices now, so subsidies can shrink or disappear," he said after a meeting with the President. reported by ANTARA, Friday, September 19.

He emphasized that the reduction in electricity subsidies from the government should not lead to an increase in public electricity rates.

"The goal is that. If subsidies are reduced, the price is not increased, but looking for electricity sources that are cheap," he said while dismissing the opinion that the government was deliberately provoking the issue of rising rates.

Even so, Purbaya admitted that the process could not be instantaneous. The government will calculate the initial investment needs to ensure that PLTS technology and domestic battery production and solar panels are truly efficient.

"I want the subsidies to go away, but it's not that easy. I've seen the promising PLTS design, but the calculation has not been completed. It still has to be done again," he said.

According to him, the relevant ministries, especially the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, will determine the implementation schedule.

He ensured that each policy would be directed at the provision of cheaper and more sustainable electricity, while maintaining people's purchasing power.