Economist Says Converting LPG To Electric Stoves Can Save Foreign Exchange

JAKARTA - An economist at Syiah Kuala University (USK) Banda Aceh, Rustam Effendi, said the government's plan to convert three kilograms (kg) of LPG to induction (electric) stoves could save the country's foreign exchange.

"This can save foreign exchange because so far gas supply is still imported, moreover there is a tendency to continue to increase," said Rustam Effendi as quoted from Antara, Wednesday, June 22.

According to Rustam, the conversion step from gas stove to electric stove is also good because it is more efficient than gas stove, environmentally friendly and safe to use.

"In a macro context, the use of electric stoves will reduce national gas consumption. The existing data shows that gas imports last year increased by around 15-16 percent, and all of this eats up the country's foreign exchange," he said.

Rustam said that the use of electric stoves can reduce dependence on fossil energy.

However, the challenge is how to raise awareness of the importance of this conversion.

One of the ways, said Rustam, is that the government must intensively carry out socialization, anticipating the difficulties of MSME actors who have so far depended on the use of three kg LPG.

Another step, the government can also help provide free electric stoves to consumer groups who have been using the LPG gas.

Including PLN is obliged to apply special electricity tariffs for this group.

If this can be fulfilled, Rustam believes that the conversion of the stove to electricity can run smoothly, be well received by the community and avoid 'controversy' or disagreements.

"But beforehand, it definitely needs a strong legal basis in it to regulate rights and obligations clearly and fairly," he said.

Rustam added, as long as the socialization can be carried out properly and the community knows the benefits of this conversion, they can be accepted, as was the case with the conversion from kerosene to gas in the past.

"The government must take persuasive steps, including providing free electric stoves to those who have been users of the three kg LPG gas," concluded Rustam Effendi.