Puan Asks Pertalite Distribution Rules To Guarantee That Fuel Subsidy Is Right On Target

Illustration of people filling fuel oil or Pertalite fuel at Pertamina gas stations. (Between)

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, reminded that the revision of regulations related to the use of Pertalite was reviewed as well as possible. The latest regulations, one of which contains the matter of subsidized fuel oil (BBM), must be right on target.

"Rules regarding subsidized Pertalite and Solar that are being drafted by the government must ensure that fuel subsidies are given on target," said Puan, Thursday, July 28 in a written statement.

Currently, the government is drafting a revision of Presidential Regulation No. 191 of 2014 concerning the Supply, Distribution, and Retail Selling Price of Oil Fuel. The revision contains regulations related to restrictions on the purchase of subsidized fuels of Pertalite and Solar types which are targeted to be completed in August.

The regulation will contain criteria for vehicles that will later be prohibited from using subsidized Pertalite and Solar. Puan underlined the high consumption of Pertalite in the first quarter of 2022 which exceeded the quota, causing a shortage of this type of fuel in a number of regions.

"This should not happen again because it is detrimental to the people who should be entitled to get fuel subsidies," continued the first woman who served as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives.

Consumption of subsidized fuel that exceeds the quota raises suspicions by a number of parties that there will be a change in consumption patterns and the octane level of fuel or research octane (RON) 92 types of Pertamax to Pertalite. Vehicles that should not receive subsidized fuel are now switching to Pertalite due to the increase in world oil prices as a result of global conflict.

"The provision of subsidies in the midst of the threat of a global crisis must be carried out carefully so that subsidized fuel is right on target and based on the principle of justice," explained Puan.

"Indeed, there must be intervention from the government so that the middle and lower classes are ensured that they have the right to get subsidized fuel," he added.

The DPR also asked the middle and upper class people to raise awareness to use non-subsidized fuel. If vehicles that are classified as luxury use subsidized fuel, it means they have taken the rights of the lower middle class people.

“The purpose of the subsidy is to ensure the life of the middle and lower class of the economy. Do not let the fuel subsidy that comes from the state budget is given not on target, "said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also appealed to the lower middle class to immediately register their vehicles. By registering a vehicle, said Puan, people who are allowed to get subsidized fuel will be more secure in obtaining their rights.

"Because there will be verification of BBM consumers who really have the right to buy subsidized Pertalite and Solar," said the grandson of the Indonesian Proclaimer Bung Karno.

The vehicle registration program initiated by Pertamina will be synergized with the regulation on the distribution of subsidized fuel as determined by the Government.

"We hope that the efforts made by these relevant stakeholders can ensure that the distribution of Pertalite and Solar is right on target. Of course, the DPR RI will continue to supervise both in terms of regulations and implementation in the field," concluded Puan.