Pertamax Prices Rise, Jokowi: We Tried To Hold It, But It's Not Possible

President Joko Widodo (Photo: Screenshot of Youtube @SecretariatPresident)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said the government is trying to keep the price of Pertamax fuel oil (BBM) from rising amid current conditions.

However, due to inflation and uncertain global economic conditions, the decision to raise prices was inevitable.

"I think we are holding back so that there is no increase, but I think the situation is not possible," said Jokowi when opening the Plenary Cabinet Session which was broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube on Wednesday, April 6.

"It's impossible for us not to increase what is called BBM. It's impossible. Therefore, we take Pertamax," he added.

Jokowi then explained that a number of countries are now experiencing inflation. In the United States, for example, Jokowi said, inflation has now reached 7.9 percent from the usual below one percent.

In addition, Europe has also experienced inflation reaching 7.5 percent which is usually below one percent. Likewise, Turkey, said Jokowi, whose inflation rate has now reached 54 percent.

With this condition, the economic condition in the country is also affected. "Our fiscal and monetary conditions are strongly influenced by the global economy which is currently in turmoil, especially those related to rising inflation in almost all countries," he explained.

Thus, an increase in the price of a number of goods, such as the first type of fuel to other basic goods, will inevitably occur. However, President Jokowi reminded his ministers to remain cautious.

Meetings and consolidations, he continued, must be held at any time so that there are no wrong steps in making decisions.

"Therefore, this high vigilance must be counted every day, every week," said Jokowi.

"What about gas prices, and especially in addition to energy prices and food prices. These two things are very, very important, we must continue to be vigilant together and must always be closed, consolidated so as not to make mistakes in making decisions," he concluded.