BPH Migas Urges Students to Oversee Targeted Subsidised Fuel Distribution

The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) is encouraging the active participation of university students in overseeing the distribution of subsidised and compensation fuels to ensure they are precisely targeted and not misused. Participatory oversight has become increasingly important due to the widening price disparity between subsidised and non-subsidised fuels. “I entrust all students across the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia to work hand-in-hand in safeguarding the subsidised fuel quota allocated by the government, so that its distribution runs effectively, is well-targeted, and supports the economic activities of entitled communities,” said Head of BPH Migas Wahyudi Anas in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday. Wahyudi explained that subsidised fuel represents the state’s commitment to supporting communities in need. The government has also defined the categories of eligible subsidy recipients. If the subsidy is utilised by ineligible groups, the rights of the intended beneficiaries will be diminished. He added that members of the Islamic Students’ Association (HMI) also have a role in preventing the misuse of subsidised and compensation fuels to achieve national energy independence and self-sufficiency. “Therefore, oversight of subsidised fuel distribution must be strengthened through collaboration among all stakeholders. BPH Migas, along with relevant ministries and institutions, local governments, business entities, law enforcement officials, and the public, share the responsibility of ensuring that every litre of subsidised fuel is truly received by those entitled to it,” Wahyudi stated. During a discussion themed “National Energy Security in the Downstream Sector: The Role of Youth in Safeguarding Equitable Energy Distribution”, Wahyudi emphasised that energy justice is also implemented through equal access for communities across Indonesia, including in frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged (3T) regions. “The government continues to oversee the implementation of the One-Price Fuel programme as a manifestation of the state’s presence in providing equitable energy access for communities in 3T areas,” he said. Wahyudi also expressed appreciation to the Central Board of the Islamic Students’ Association (PB HMI) for organising the Energy Discussion Forum, which addressed strategic issues of national energy security in the downstream oil and gas sector. “This forum serves as a positive dialogue space between the government and the younger generation. We appreciate HMI’s commitment to jointly oversee the distribution of subsidised fuel so that the public receives optimal energy services,” Wahyudi remarked. Echoing this sentiment, Bambang Patijaya, Chairman of Commission XII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), stressed that supervising the distribution of subsidised fuel requires synergy from all stakeholders. “All parties play a role in securing the distribution of subsidised fuel. Law enforcement officials, BPH Migas, local governments, and Commission XII of the DPR RI continue to synergise to ensure that subsidised fuel is truly received by the communities in need,” said Bambang. He added that this oversight must be carried out consistently to prevent unauthorised parties from profiting from the price difference of subsidised fuel. Collaboration among all stakeholders is key to ensuring energy subsidies are precisely targeted. On the same occasion, Rachmad Muhamadiyah, Chairman of the National Association of Oil and Gas Entrepreneurs (Hiswana Migas), stated that his organisation is fully committed to complying with prevailing regulations. “Regarding the reliability of energy distribution on the ground, Hiswana Migas is at the forefront. Therefore, as a strategic partner, we are fully committed to complying with and safeguarding every regulation and operational standard set by the government,” Rachmad stated. Meanwhile, PB HMI Chairman Bagas Kurniawan assessed that energy subsidies are a highly strategic policy because they concern the livelihoods of the wider community and impact state financial management. Consequently, oversight of subsidised fuel distribution must be a shared concern to ensure that the benefits are truly felt by entitled communities. HMI also supports efforts to prevent the misuse of subsidised and compensation fuels and to promote national energy self-sufficiency.