Analyst: Fuel Price Stability Reflects President's Concern for the People

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Political analyst and Executive Director of the Indonesia Political Review (IPR) Iwan Setiawan stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s policy to delay the increase in fuel prices is based on the concern and empathy of a President for his people. “In my view, this is one form of political will from the government of President Prabowo Subianto, grounded in the concern and empathy of a President for his people,” he said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday. Iwan also explained that the government’s performance through the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia in maintaining the stability of fuel prices, both subsidised and non-subsidised, in Indonesia deserves appreciation. “Amid many other countries experiencing significant fuel price increases, even facing energy crises due to the effects of the Iran vs America-Israel war up to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, it is fortunate that fuel prices in Indonesia remain relatively safe and stable,” he said. According to him, the public needs to support the government’s steps and policies by not creating unnecessary commotion and dynamics. “Especially by provoking and spreading hoaxes. In a situation where the entire world is experiencing an energy crisis like this, what is needed is strong unity and solidarity, certainly based on nationalism,” he added. Iwan stated that fuel price increases in Southeast Asia are quite significant. Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, and Vietnam have experienced varying fuel price increases. Meanwhile, Indonesia has managed to hold steady by maintaining price stability. Previously, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government ensures that fuel prices, both subsidised and non-subsidised, will not increase. In his statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, Prasetyo said the decision was taken after the government coordinated with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and PT Pertamina (Persero), in line with President Prabowo’s directives. “The President always prioritises the interests of the people and society in making decisions. Therefore, Pertamina has stated that it will not yet adjust prices, either for subsidised fuel or non-subsidised fuel,” Prasetyo said.