Expert views fuel price freeze as reducing public panic
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Energy expert from Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Yayan Satyakti, assessed the government’s move to retain the prices of subsidised and non-subsidised fuel oil (BBM) amid the United States-Iran war as reducing public panic.
“I think it’s the right step. This is to reduce uncertainty and panic,” Yayan said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday.
According to Yayan, the policy also indicates the government’s concern for the public.
With stable BBM prices, Yayan believes it can maintain macroeconomic stability, particularly in holding back inflation and economic turbulence.
“An indication of domestic stabilisation amid a gradual global inflation, for example, imported goods starting to rise because logistics costs are increasing,” Yayan stated.
Therefore, he highly appreciated the government’s policy of freezing prices for both subsidised and non-subsidised BBM.
“I highly appreciate this policy. Hopefully, it can hold until this global energy crisis ends quickly,” Yayan said.
Previously, State Secretary Minister (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government ensures that fuel oil (BBM) prices, both subsidised and non-subsidised, will not experience increases.
Through an official statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday, Prasetyo said the decision was taken after the government coordinated with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and PT Pertamina, in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives.
The government also assured that national BBM is in a safe and available condition, so the public is asked not to panic or worry about the issue of price increases.
“Mr President always prioritises the interests of the people and society in making decisions. That is why Pertamina states that Pertamina will not yet adjust prices for either subsidised BBM or non-subsidised BBM,” Prasetyo said.
The government hopes this clarification can provide accurate information to the public while calming concerns related to the issue of BBM price increases that had been circulating.