Energy Commodity Prices Still High, Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources: It's Impossible To Burden The Society

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif. (Photo: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources)

JAKARTA - Regarding the government's plan to increase the price of fuel oil (BBM) RON 90 or Pertalite and LPG 3 kilograms (kg), Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif said this increase would not burden the community.

"We will definitely carry out evaluations, and there is no way we will burden the community with such a drastic burden," said Arifin, quoted Monday, April 18.

He added that the current focus of the Government is to ensure that the supply of fuel oil (BBM) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is well maintained in the midst of high energy commodity prices.

"Various evaluations continue to be carried out, including the distribution of fuel and LPG on target so as to produce efficiencies that can reduce the burden of energy subsidies," he said.

Evaluation efforts carried out include validating population data in the Social Welfare Integrated Data (DTKS). PT Pertamina (Persero) has also carried out the process of digitizing the fuel filling system at gas stations. In addition, direct supervision and sanctions against misuse of subsidized fuel.

Arifin said that during a surprise inspection he carried out some time ago in Kalimantan and Sumatra, there were many irregularities in the distribution of subsidized fuel. For this reason, community discipline in consuming energy according to their rights is very important.

"From my visit some time ago to the field, it was found that there were many irregularities. If we can correct this, we can save a lot. This is part of our evaluation. sanctions against abusers of subsidized fuel, namely a sentence of six years plus a (fine) of IDR 60 billion, we will re-socialize this," said Arifin.

The sanctions referred to by Minister Arifin are stated in Article 55 of Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas, as well as Article 94 paragraph (3) of Government Regulation Number 36 of 2004 concerning Downstream Oil and Gas Business Activities, namely any person or business entity. those who misuse the Transportation and/or Trading of Oil Fuel subsidized by the Government shall be sentenced to a maximum imprisonment of six years and a maximum fine of IDR 60 billion.

In addition, so that the distribution of subsidized fuel is more targeted to the people who are entitled to it, currently a revision is being made to Presidential Regulation number 191 of 2014 concerning the Supply, Distribution, and Retail Selling Price of Oil Fuel.

The government, according to Arifin, continues to make various efforts internally, namely how to ensure that the distribution of fuel is right on target so that there is efficiency that can reduce the burden on state finances. In addition, the public is also encouraged to save energy and build awareness to be able to use energy as effectively as possible.

"Then secondly, externally, we must also be able to appeal to OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) to be able to increase its production quota," concluded Arifin.