The Government Must Guarantee Energy Supply During The Christmas-New Year Holidays

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JAKARTA - The government is asked to ensure adequacy in energy supply during the Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 holidays. It is certain that the use of energy during the year-end holidays will increase from usual.

"The long year-end holiday is a moment that the public has been waiting for. So it is often colored by a surge in energy demand, both for transportation, lighting, and daily needs," said the Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, Tuesday, December 17.

"Therefore, the Government needs to ensure the availability of sufficient energy supply during the Christmas celebration and New Year's holidays," added the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI.

Puan assessed that a significant increase in activity during the year-end holidays would occur in several sectors such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation. High mobility and activity certainly require a lot more energy.

"Usually celebratory activities such as parties, concerts, and community events also increase the use of electricity and fuel. Including for people who go home during Christmas and those who go on vacation. So do not let the energy supply decrease," explained Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also reminded that global energy price fluctuations can affect the availability of fuel and electricity in the country. To ensure the availability of energy supply during the year-end holidays, Puan asked the Government to take strategic steps.

"There needs to be more intense coordination between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), PLN, and related agencies to monitor real-time energy needs and supplies," he said.

In addition, Puan also asked the Government to prepare and prepare an energy reserve plan to anticipate a surge in demand, including the management of fossil fuel stocks and renewable energy. The government also needs to ensure that energy distribution infrastructure is in good condition and ready to face a surge in demand.

"Especially in the maintenance of electricity networks and fuel storage facilities," said Puan.

Furthermore, Puan emphasized the importance of socialization to the public to save energy during the holiday period to reduce pressure on the system. He also reminded the Government to continue to mitigate the threat of natural disasters in the midst of extreme weather that could disrupt energy distribution and cause infrastructure damage.

"We must also anticipate extreme weather because inadequate energy distribution networks can cause power outages in certain areas," explained Puan.

"Everything must be ensured so that people are comfortable and safe when commemorating the 2024 Christmas celebration and the 2025 New Year holiday," he concluded.