Electric Stoves and Vehicles Deemed Solutions to Address Energy Uncertainty

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The use of electric stoves and electric vehicles is considered a strategic solution to strengthen national energy resilience amid global energy supply uncertainties due to Middle East conflicts. Energy observer Komaidi Notonegoro stated that dependence on fuel oil (BBM), which still accounts for around 30 percent of the national energy mix, makes the commodity highly vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and international price fluctuations. “Electrification in the household and transportation sectors can reduce dependence on imported BBM. In the current situation, electric stoves can become one of the main alternatives because electricity does not have to rely on oil and gas,” he said in his statement in Jakarta on Monday. According to Komaidi, the advantage of electric stoves lies in the flexibility of their energy sources, as electricity can be produced from various domestic energy sources such as coal, gas, water, and geothermal. In addition to the household sector, he continued, electric vehicles (EVs) also play an important role in curbing national BBM consumption, where data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources indicates around 532 million barrels per year, with the transportation sector contributing about 52 percent of the total consumption. “Electric vehicles can help reduce dependence on imported BBM. In the long term, this can also enhance energy resilience while curbing the energy subsidy burden,” he said. Komaidi also appreciated the various incentives provided by the government to encourage the acceleration of electrification, ranging from tax exemptions, purchase subsidies, to odd-even traffic restriction exemptions in several regions. “With more massive socialisation and consistent policy support, electric stoves and electric vehicles have the potential to become an important part of the strategy to strengthen national energy resilience,” he said.