Coordinating Minister Airlangga Assures Fuel Stock is Secure, Fiscal Stability Maintained

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto has assured that the national economy and fuel oil (BBM) stocks remain secure amid global uncertainties stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. The escalation of tensions between the US-Israel and Iran is impacting global supply chains, but Indonesia is deemed capable of withstanding the pressure due to its robust economic fundamentals. “It is essential to emphasise to the public that the national economy remains stable with solid fundamentals. National BBM stocks are in a safe condition, and fiscal stability is maintained. Therefore, the following policies are being implemented to keep the public calm and productive,” stated Airlangga during a virtual press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday. In this regard, the government has officially implemented a work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN) every Friday. Additionally, to enhance mobility efficiency, the government is limiting the use of official vehicles to 50 percent, except for operational needs and electric vehicles. Furthermore, domestic official travel is being reduced by 50 percent, and overseas travel by 70 percent. This WFH policy is expected to save the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) by Rp6.2 trillion from fuel subsidies. Meanwhile, the total potential savings from public BBM consumption is estimated to reach Rp59 trillion. Regarding BBM prices, PT Pertamina (Persero) has assured that there will be no adjustments to either subsidised or non-subsidised BBM prices, in line with government directives. Pertamina’s Vice President of Corporate Communication, Muhammad Baron, stated that the company is ready to implement government policies to maintain national economic stability amid global energy crisis pressures. “Pertamina is ready to implement government policies to safeguard national economic stability amid the global energy crisis,” said Baron. He added that the company’s top priority is to ensure energy availability and optimise the supply chain so that energy distribution reaches all regions. These efforts are being carried out through strengthened coordination and negotiations with suppliers, as well as optimisation of the distribution system to keep supplies safe and available for the public. Pertamina Patra Niaga has also emphasised that it will continue to make maximum efforts to address existing dynamics, prioritising service reliability and the continuity of national energy distribution. Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth MV Dumatubun, stated that Pertamina Patra Niaga consistently implements government policies, including on BBM pricing. On the other hand, various strategic efforts are also being undertaken, such as negotiations with suppliers and distribution optimisation, to ensure that energy availability remains secure for the public. “We also urge the public to use energy wisely according to their needs and not to be influenced by information that could trigger panic buying,” said Roberth. Additionally, the public is urged not to be easily swayed by unverified information that could lead to panic or panic buying. Active public participation in maintaining reasonable consumption will greatly assist the smooth distribution of energy in the field.