Deputy Energy Minister Emphasises Need to Continue Energy Sector Policy Legacy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Yuliandrio Yuliot Tanjung, has emphasised the importance of maintaining the sustainability of the policy legacy built within Indonesia’s energy sector management, which must be continued by the current generation.
This was stated during a visit to the graves of former Indonesian Ministers of Mining and Energy at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery (TMPNU) in Jakarta, in commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of Mining and Energy.
“From those ministers, many have left legacies and tasks that need to be continued,” he said in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Yuliot stated that the activity serves as a momentum to remember the contributions of predecessors while observing the continuity of policies established in the management of Indonesia’s energy sector, including efforts to ensure energy subsidies are accurately targeted.
On this occasion, he also noted that the development of Indonesia’s mining and energy sectors has progressed gradually. The management of the sector began with oil and gas, subsequently expanding through the coal sector to minerals.
He remarked that every minister has played a role in developing policies suited to the challenges of their respective eras.
One figure mentioned by Yuliot was Subroto, the Minister of Mining and Energy for the 1978-1988 period. According to him, Subroto played a pivotal role in laying the fundamental policies of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
“Like Mr Subroto, he laid many of the foundational policies that exist within the Ministry of ESDM,” said Yuliot.
He identified three main legacies of Subroto: the development of the ministry’s organisational structure, the state’s commitment to and control over natural resources—particularly oil and gas—and energy conservation programmes. Subroto’s influence was also recognised globally, including his tenure as the Secretary General of OPEC.
Furthermore, Yuliot touched upon energy subsidy policies during the era of Minister of ESDM Darwin Zahedy Saleh. During that period, subsidies were implemented through two schemes: open subsidies for fuel (BBM) and closed subsidies for LPG, accompanied by oversight during implementation.
“Therefore, targeted subsidies also began during Mr Darwin’s time. This is what we see as the continuity of policies from previous ministers,” Yuliot added.
As it enters its 81st year, the mining and energy sector continues to be directed towards meeting national energy needs while maintaining the sustainability of natural resources.
The policy foundations laid by predecessors remain a vital part of Indonesia’s energy management journey in facing the challenges of energy provision through resource utilisation, conservation, and energy diversification for the benefit of both current and future generations.