As Global Fuel Supplies Dwindle, Here Are Energy Sources We Can Rely On
The Iran-Israel conflict, involving the United States, poses a potential threat to global fuel supplies. Iran currently controls the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for 20% of global oil circulation.
To reduce the world’s dependence on fuel, there exists an alternative energy source that can replace crude oil: electricity.
Bhima Yudhistira, Executive Director of the Centre for Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS), is urging the government to accelerate electrification in the transport sector and strengthen energy transition. This is being done in response to concerns over potential disruption to oil supplies caused by geopolitical conflict.
According to him, public transport based on electric power needs to be expanded across various regions, such as the operation of electric buses for mass transportation. On the other hand, the use of private vehicles powered by fuel should be reduced gradually.
“Public transport using electric buses across all regions, with fuel-powered private vehicles being phased down. What matters is that public transport is affordable and comfortable; people will shift accordingly,” Bhima told CNBC Indonesia on Monday (9 March 2026).
Regarding the source of electrical energy, Bhima also emphasised the importance of accelerating the utilisation of renewable energy in the national electricity system. This is because Indonesia has significant potential to develop various clean energy sources.
“I’m concerned that if we remain focused on importing oil and fuel, energy security will remain fragile. Japan’s households use solar panels with a total capacity of 100 GW. So Japan has oil reserves of 254 days, but also substantial renewable energy,” he said.
Bhima explained that Indonesia’s current energy reserves are relatively limited, meaning that when disruptions occur, the impact can be directly felt in the availability of fuel within the country. However, the plan to increase energy reserves from approximately 20 days to three months is not the primary solution.
“Indonesia’s energy reserves are vulnerable. That is why an oil crisis can trigger a shortage of fuel stocks. But the solution of increasing reserves from 20 days to three months is not a real solution,” said Bhima.
According to him, increasing storage capacity will only expand reserves but will not solve the problem. This is because Indonesia will remain highly dependent on oil imports.