Compare Fuel Prices In Indonesia And Other Countries, Jokowi: If It Goes Up, Will Anyone Agree?

President Joko Widodo (BPMI Setpres)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said the price of fuel oil (BBM) could rise at any time if the government was no longer able to provide subsidies. This possibility is open, especially since world oil prices continue to rise in the midst of the Ukraine-Russia war.

This was conveyed by Jokowi when giving a briefing at the Peak of the Commemoration of the 29th National Family Day 2022 in Medan, Thursday, July 7.

Initially, Jokowi mentioned the Ukraine-Russia war which brought big problems, mainly related to food and energy issues. Including, the increase in world oil prices from the normal price of 60 US dollars per barrel to 110-120 US dollars per barrel.

As a result of this condition, many countries increase fuel prices. Meanwhile, Indonesia chose not to participate, especially subsidized fuel such as Pertalite.

"Our country is still resistant not to raise the name Pertalite. Another country whose name is BBM, gasoline is already at Rp. 31,000, in Singapore it is Rp. 31,000," Jokowi said on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube show.

"Thailand is already Rp. 20,000. We are still Rp. 7,650. For what reason, it is subsidized by the state budget," he continued.

Jokowi hopes that in the future the state budget will still be able to bear the cost of fuel subsidies. But, if not strong, the price can rise.

"We are still strong and praying that the state budget will still be strong in providing subsidies. If it is not strong enough, what can you do, right? If fuel goes up, will anyone agree?" Jokowi asked the invitees who were present.

"No," they answered.

"Surely everyone will disagree. But remember that we are still importing our needs of 1.5 million barrels of oil from outside. We are still importing," he said.

So, if world oil prices continue to rise, Indonesia will have to pay more. Because, to meet the needs of domestic fuel imports must be done.

"If outside prices rise, we also have to pay more. So that we all understand this problem," he concluded.