Claiming to Be a Former Minibus Driver, Bahlil Urges Public to Use Fuel Wisely
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has invited the public to assist the government in maintaining energy resilience amid escalating global geopolitical tensions. Bahlil stated that the role of the public is crucial in supporting the government’s efforts to safeguard national energy resilience.
“Regarding what the Coordinating Minister for the Economy said, I am a former angkot driver. I invite all members of the public that in such conditions, the government cannot work alone. We need cooperative support from the public,” Bahlil said during a virtual press conference on the government’s policies in response to the global geopolitical situation on Tuesday (31/3/2026).
Bahlil said the public can help the government by using fuel reasonably and wisely. He conveyed that the government will continue to socialise the wise use of fuel amid the current situation.
“How? We must purchase fuel reasonably and wisely. In our view as a former angkot driver, reasonable and wise means if you fill a car with 50 litres in one day, the tank is already full. This does not apply to trucks, which naturally require more, or public transport like buses,” Bahlil said.
Bahlil also assured that there will be no price adjustments for subsidised fuel. Meanwhile, for non-subsidised fuel, Bahlil said that the Ministry of ESDM, along with Pertamina’s team and other private fuel stations, is still discussing it. He mentioned that the results will soon be announced to the public.
“Regarding Pertadex or high-quality diesel, there are also no price adjustments yet. Once again, there are no price adjustments,” Bahlil said.
With the dynamics of rapid global price fluctuations, Bahlil continued, the government will conduct faster studies in line with global developments. “The President always pays attention to the interests of the people, especially our less fortunate brothers and sisters, who must receive greater attention in formulating policies so that everything can run well,” Bahlil said.