Bahlil Proposes Electric Stove Program, Prepare a Budget of Rp815 Billion

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia proposed a budget of Rp. 815.56 billion for an electricity stove program for the public. This proposal is contained in the Draft State Budget (RAPBN) 2027.

The Chairman of the Golkar Party said that the procurement of electric stoves was an effort by the government to reduce dependence on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) whose supply is heavily imported. "Because this is to reduce the need for LPG, we are looking for other energy mixes. So the energy we are pushing forward, electric stoves, CNG, various. What we make is (electric stoves) as much as Rp. 815.56 billion," he said in a Working Meeting with Commission XII of the DPR RI, quoted Tuesday, June 16.

He added, so far 80 percent of the national LPG needs still depend on imports, thus draining the country's foreign exchange up to Rp. 120 trillion per year. This figure could even exceed Rp. 130 trillion when the price of Indonesian crude oil (ICP) is high.

On the other hand, he continued, the government must also bear the LPG subsidy of more than Rp. 80 trillion.

"Well, if this condition continues, we will allow it without seeking diversification of energy sources, it will be a matter. So one of the alternatives is that we encourage electric stoves," said Bahlil.

However, Bahlil emphasized that this program was still under discussion, so that the exact number of electric stoves from the budget amount had not been determined.

However, Bahlil said, in the initial stage, the government plans to encourage the use of electric stoves with specifications that can be used at an electrical power of less than 900 VA.

Thus, people in the area can use the device according to the electrical capacity they have.

"So that our people in the regions, in the sub-districts, in the villages can use electricity with their existing power capacity," said Bahlil.