President Calculates The State's Fiscal Ability To Increase Fuel Potential

President Joko Widodo after attending the Inauguration of the Ansor Youth Movement (GP) 2024-2029 at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Monday (27/5/2024). ANTARA/Yashinta Difa

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo said he would calculate and consider the country's fiscal capabilities regarding the potential increase in fuel prices in June after being detained since the beginning of the year.

"Everything is seen by the state's fiscal. It is capable or unable, strong or not strong," said President Jokowi as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, May 27.

The President said the ability of the State Budget to conduct fuel subsidies would be calculated taking into account world oil prices, especially in the midst of geopolitical conditions.

According to the President, all aspects will be calculated and calculated through careful consideration.

"The price of oil is up to how high. Everything will be calculated, everything will be calculated, everything will be done through careful considerations because it involves the lives of many people," said the President.

The Head of State assessed that the government's decision on fuel prices concerns the lives of many people.

"It can affect prices, it can affect everything when it comes to oil," said the President.

As is known, the government has been holding back the increase in fuel prices, both subsidies and non-subsidized since early 2024.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif on the previous occasion revealed the government's consideration of holding fuel prices to remain stable until June 2024,

On the other hand, the turmoil in world oil prices, the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, and the weakening of the rupiah exchange rate against the US dollar have made compensation and the domestic fuel subsidy budget swell.

"We have said that until June 2024 (detained), the consideration is that we have just recovered, this community should not be subject to additional burdens, that's all," said Arifin.