Finance Minister Purbaya: Pertalite Subsidy Control to Be Implemented Gradually
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the control of fuel subsidies, particularly for Pertalite, will be carried out in stages. This step is taken to ensure that energy subsidy distribution is more targeted while maintaining the health of the State Budget (APBN).
Purbaya explained that one of the schemes currently under discussion is restricting access to Pertalite for upper-class households. Specifically, people in the 9th and 10th deciles of income will be directed to switch to non-subsidised fuel. “We are discussing the possibility of implementing restrictions on Pertalite subsidies for the upper class. We are currently studying the system,” Purbaya said in Jakarta on Tuesday (11/8/2026).
He added that the system owned by PT Pertamina (Persero) is currently capable of supporting the restriction mechanism. However, full implementation is still awaiting the readiness of all supporting systems to ensure a smooth rollout on the ground.
This control policy is also driven by ongoing fluctuations in global oil prices. Purbaya stressed the importance of strategic measures to prevent the subsidy burden from swelling and disrupting fiscal stability until the end of the year.
In addition to discussing the subsidy scheme, the meeting between the Finance Minister and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) also highlighted the energy sector’s contribution to state revenue. The Ministry of ESDM is recorded as the largest contributor to Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP), which is a crucial instrument in maintaining the resilience of the state budget.
“So, we focused on ensuring that this year’s state budget is secure. The Ministry of ESDM provides a large contribution to PNBP. We must also remain vigilant and ensure our state budget is safe until the end of the year,” he added.
Echoing the Finance Minister, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia emphasised that evaluating the energy subsidy scheme is urgent. According to him, the allocation of energy subsidies, which reaches hundreds of trillions of rupiah, has not been fully targeted as it is still enjoyed by affluent groups. “We also discussed the subsidy scheme so that it is right on target. So far, oil and gas subsidies have not been fully targeted, even people who are well-off receive subsidised fuel,” Bahlil said.
The government is currently maturing the distribution system so that the state budget allocated for subsidies is truly felt by those in need, while simultaneously minimising potential budget leakage in the energy sector.