Subsidized Fuel Prices Held, Prabowo Says Energy Management is Still Safe

President Prabowo Subianto (Dok Tim Media Presiden)

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto said the government was still able to hold down the price of subsidized fuel in the midst of global energy pressures.

Prabowo associated this condition with the management of the energy sector by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia and Pertamina.

Prabowo made the statement while attending Bahlil's 50th birthday and the launch of 10 books at the Jakarta Theater, Friday, August 7.

"Because the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Pertamina are good at managing our energy, we can maintain subsidized fuel, we still haven't raised it," said Prabowo.

According to Prabowo, Indonesia's condition is relatively calmer compared to a number of other countries that are beginning to face pressure due to changes in the global situation.

"Even though many other countries are already a little panicked, Indonesia is still cool, still calm. It's not that it's not facing difficulties," he said.

Prabowo did not specify the energy pressure in question or how much the government would have to bear to maintain subsidized fuel prices.

He also did not mention when the price policy would be maintained.

In his remarks, Prabowo said the government felt more confident because a number of programs had shown results.

Apart from energy, he touched on food self-sufficiency which he said made Indonesia more prepared to face global threats.

"Food self-sufficiency is real. Check all warehouses. We are ready," he said.

Prabowo assessed that food and energy policies must start from the basic needs of the community.

According to Prabowo, the government must use common sense and place the interests of the people as the basis for decision-making.

On the same occasion, Prabowo gave a satisfactory assessment of Bahlil's performance as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources. However, he said there was still time for ministers to continue to improve work results.