JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that energy and food are crucial sectors for the survival of the people. For this reason, he ordered ministers to continue to actively monitor energy and food supplies so that there is no shortage.
This instruction was conveyed by President Prabowo to the Coordinating Minister for Food (Zulhas) and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (Bahlil) Lahadalia during a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, March 4.
"We have to monitor all developments in the preparation for Eid, especially regarding energy, fuel must not be scarce, then LPG, food as well," said Bahlil.
At the same time, Bahlil ensured that the supply of national energy, ranging from fuel oil (BBM) to LPG, was safe and under control ahead of Eid al-Fitr. He ensured that the government would not raise the price of subsidized fuel in the near future, even though the geopolitical situation in the Middle East currently puts pressure on world crude oil prices.
Responding to the potential turmoil in crude oil prices due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, Bahlil stated that the government had established a new import policy by shifting the purchase of crude oil, especially gasoline, from the Middle East to the United States (US) and Southeast Asia. LPG supplies are also ensured to remain safe, with the direction of future import policies also shifted from the Middle East to the US.
"Both me and Mr. Zulkifli Hasan have conveyed to the president, from the energy and food sectors, to prices as well, still in an affordable condition," said Bahlil.
In line with Bahlil, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has ensured that food stocks are in a safe condition amid the Middle East tensions. Especially rice, the national reserve now reaches 4 million tons in Perum Bulog warehouses.
"Safe, safe stock. We have enough rice, 4 million tons. More than enough," said Zulhas.
Zulhas emphasized that the government continues to strive to maintain supply and price stability ahead of Eid. As a concrete step, he admitted that he was actively going down to various regions to ensure that distribution runs smoothly and encourage intervention if there is an increase in prices.
In addition, local governments can intervene in prices by utilizing unexpected spending funds (BTT) to provide subsidies, both transportation subsidies and price subsidies.
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