JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the optimization of state revenues from coal commodities to capture sudden profits (windfall profit) amid rising global energy prices, as a strategy to strengthen the APBN's position which is depressed due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
"Regarding the additional price, coal will also be calculated in relation to the export tax, the amount will be reviewed by the team. Where later the hope is that government revenue will also increase with the windfall profit," said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto at a press conference at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Thursday, March 19, reported by ANTARA.
Airlangga explained that the current increase in coal prices was triggered by the disruption of the distribution of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the international market.
As a follow-up, the government plans to immediately revise the 2026 coal Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) to adjust production and revenue targets.
In addition to maximizing commodity revenues, the government is also accelerating the conversion of Diesel Power Plants (PLTD) into Solar Power Plants (PLTS). This transition effort aims to reduce dependence on fuel oil (BBM) whose prices are volatile.
"The President directed that this be immediately realized and calculated to be converted into a solar power plant, and Danantara was given the task of solving these problems," said Airlangga.
The government has confirmed that it will not raise the budget deficit limit. President Prabowo asked that the deficit be strictly maintained in accordance with the mandate of Law No. 17 of 2023 concerning State Finances.
"Earlier it was reported in a meeting with the President, the President's instructions, the first of which is of course related to us maintaining the state budget so that the deficit remains below 3 percent," he said.
The government is also combing through the operational spending of ministries and agencies that are considered to be efficient. One scheme that is being perfected is work flexibility for ASN to reduce routine bureaucratic costs.
"Well, we are preparing all of this again. Later, after the concept is mature, we will immediately inform the public in more detail," he said.
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