The Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources Has Spoken Out About Electric Stoves Targeting Rich People

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Director General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Jisman P Hutajulu dismissed reports that the government would again carry out an induction electric stove distribution program for the rich.

According to him, his party will still focus on distributing rice cooker electrical cooking tools (AML) which are confirmed to be completed this month.

"I haven't thought about it yet, just finish the rice cooker first," said Jisman, quoted on Friday, January 19.

Jisman said that the program to distribute stoves for rich people is impossible, because it is already one of the upper middle class who do not need to be given free facilities by the state.

For this reason, he emphasized, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will only provide appeals for the upper middle class regarding the benefits of using induction stoves.

"When it is intermediate and upper class, the state must give it?" continued Jisman.

Previously, the government had tested the installation of induction stoves in several households in Solo and Bali. However,

many deadlocks are found because induction stoves also require special cooking utensils.

"This cooking tool must be special, so it is feared that the stove will be distributed but it will not be used. It has been invested, but it has not been achieved," said Jisman.

Therefore, said Jisman, his party prefers to carry out AML-sharing programs for the poor, with the aim of increasing electricity consumption and suppressing LPG imports.

The National Energy Council has signaled that it will resume the induction electric stove program but will target the upper middle class.

The Secretary General of the DEN, Djoko Siswanto, explained that the reason for targeting the upper middle class was because it was considered more effective. He argues that the energy transition program will stagnate if it only targets the poor and will only disrupt people's purchasing power.

"Hopefully the induction stove will start again, while this continues as before by distributing rice cookers," concluded Djoko.