Solar Langka, FWK Sentil Claim Purchasing Power Improves

JAKARTA - The National Journalists Forum (FWK) questions the government's claim that people's purchasing power has improved. The reason is that the scarcity of subsidized solar and fuel is still occurring in a number of agricultural production centers in Sumatra. The impact is immediate: the distribution of agricultural products is stalled, the people's economy is disrupted.

"How can people's purchasing power improve if solar is still scarce in Sumatra. Truck drivers can't transport farmers' produce. Bananas are rotten because they can't be traded," said FWK Coordinator Raja Parlindungan Pane in a National Discussion in Jakarta, Wednesday (5/5/2026).

Raja conveyed the findings after a journalistic trip to Sumatra in late April to early May 2026. According to Raja, the scarcity of solar is a sign that the real sector is not yet ready.

The discussion was attended by former Deputy Chairman of the Press Council 2019-2022 Hendry Ch Bangun, a number of editorial leaders, and senior journalists of FWK members. The forum discussed the development of the national economy and the performance of the government.

Hendry Bangun said the government was still maintaining the subsidized fuel prices, such as solar and Pertalite. However, the main problem is distribution and availability.

"In Sumatra, Kalimantan, even some points in Jabodetabek, solar and Pertalite are still difficult to get," said Hendry.

FWK also highlighted the increase in the price of basic necessities. Cooking oil, melon gas, and a number of daily commodities are still burdening households. The government has set the HET Minyakita at Rp15,700 per liter. However, in the market, the price often exceeds the provisions. In some places, Minyakita even disappears.

This condition is considered contrary to the government's claim based on BPS data. The government said that economic growth in the first quarter of 2026 reached 5.61 percent on an annual basis, with inflation and foreign exchange reserves under control.

FWK reminded the government not to be satisfied quickly. Global pressure, energy crisis, imported inflation risk, and rupiah fluctuations are still threats.

"The work of the Prabowo-Gibran government is heavy. The real sector must be immediately improved so that people's purchasing power is really maintained," said Hendry.

FWK also encourages the government to strengthen the social safety net, including direct cash assistance. Head of the Social Security Agency Dudung Abdurachman was asked to actively monitor government programs so that they do not stop on paper.