Prabowo Defends BMM Subsidy Price for Small People
JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the government is trying to keep subsidized fuel (BBM) affordable for the public, especially for the poor.
"My economic ministers report subsidized fuel, we will maintain it for the small people and the poor people. We will maintain it for 80 percent of our people," said Prabowo when delivering a briefing at the Red and White Cabinet Member Government Working Meeting, reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, April 8.
As for the able community group, Prabowo said they could buy non-subsidized fuel. "Rich people, if they want to use expensive gasoline, they have to pay market prices," he said.
Prabowo ensured that energy supplies for the community remained safe amid the hot situation of the Middle East conflict and had an impact on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition to seeking alternative sources of supply, Indonesia also utilizes the natural wealth in the country to ensure energy security.
"Our oil and gas sources are not too many that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. We can find other alternatives. Besides, we have very strong domestic power," said Prabowo.
The Head of State said that Indonesia was blessed with fertile land and abundant natural resources.
From within the ground, Indonesia has coal that can be processed into alternative energy sources to replace oil and gas. Plants such as palm oil, corn, and cassava can also be alternative energy sources.
"Our reserves are very large. Even our coal is very much and from coal we can produce solar. We can produce gasoline from coal, cassava, corn," he said. .
Even though it remains calm, the government is always working hard to ensure the energy needs of the community.
In fact, the Head of State said, the government has prepared various steps so that Indonesia can survive in the midst of global turmoil.
"Mr. Bahlil (Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources) said it was safe. Calm, safe, does not mean we are calm, relaxed. No. We work, we are vigilant," he said.