Bahlil's Remarks on Saving Gas While Cooking on the Stove

The statement from Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has drawn attention as he called on the public to save gas amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Bahlil urged all Indonesian citizens to take steps for energy efficiency, one example being conserving gas while cooking.

This was conveyed by Bahlil in Colomadu, Karanganyar, Central Java, as broadcast on the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ YouTube channel, quoted on Friday (27/3/2026). Bahlil asked the public to start practising savings.

“I appeal, I suggest that come on, we must use energy wisely. What is not necessary, I suggest not to. For example, say, if cooking with LPG, once the food is cooked, don’t waste the stove,” said Bahlil on that occasion.

This Golkar Party Chairman asked the public to be truly wise in using energy commodities. That way, he added, Indonesia’s energy supply will be better.

“Because we really need the public’s help for us to together use energy prudently. If we can do this together, insyaallah our energy in the future will be even better,” he said.

On the same occasion, Bahlil admitted he was instructed by President Prabowo Subianto to seek oil supply sources after being affected by the crisis due to the Iran-US-Israel war. He emphasised that the government will optimise domestic supplies.

“The President last night instructed me and the team to immediately seek our oil supplies from almost all countries. Then optimise all the energy we have,” he said.

Golkar also provided an explanation regarding Bahlil’s statement. Here is the compilation from detikcom.

Golkar Party Secretary-General M Sarmuji initially stated that Bahlil’s remarks were generally just a reinforcement regarding the current situation. According to him, energy conservation is always advocated even in normal situations.

“Actually, this is an appeal that is just a reinforcement. Even in normal situations, we must save energy,” said Sarmuji when contacted on Friday (27/3/2026).

This Golkar Party Faction Chairman said that energy-saving appeals have also been made regarding electricity savings. Therefore, he said, amid the current energy crisis, the appeal is being voiced again.

“We often get similar appeals like ‘turn off the lights if not needed’. Especially now when the potential energy subsidy burden is even greater,” he said.

Then, Sarmuji specifically explained Bahlil’s statement ‘don’t waste the stove’. He said that those usually in the kitchen understand better how to save on gas stoves.

“That’s just an example. Technically, kitchen practitioners understand better how to do it. And not specifically about cooking. But also about electricity and other energy uses,” he said.