Fuel Price Hike: MUI Chairman's Response

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) KH Anwar Iskandar assessed that the increase in non-subsidised fuel oil (BBM) prices is not an issue as long as the government maintains the price of subsidised fuel used by the lower classes. According to Anwar, the government distinguishes between subsidised and non-subsidised fuel. Therefore, the increase in non-subsidised fuel prices is not considered to burden low-income groups. “The important thing is not to raise the subsidised ones, because the users of subsidised fuel are the common people, that should not be raised. But if it’s for the wealthy, it’s fine, they can afford it,” Anwar said in a video statement, quoted by CNBC Indonesia on Saturday (13/6/2026). He also assessed that the price of non-subsidised fuel in Indonesia is still relatively affordable compared to several other countries, including those in the Southeast Asian region. According to him, fuel prices in some countries are even much higher than in Indonesia. Therefore, users of non-subsidised fuel are still considered able to bear the price increase. “Try comparing it with abroad, how about Thailand, how about Singapore. Singapore reaches 42 thousand, you know. We are only 18 something, around 18 thousand, that is affordable. And that is for the wealthy, just let the wealthy be, how can the wealthy keep asking for cheap prices. And it is actually cheap compared to abroad, right,” he explained. Anwar also assessed that the impact of the non-subsidised fuel price increase on the broader economy is relatively limited. According to him, a greater impact would only occur if the price increase targeted fuel used for logistics transportation and the distribution of staple goods. He explained that private vehicles using non-subsidised fuel do not have a significant influence on the prices of goods and services in society. “I think to that extent, the capability of the wealthy, it won’t have an impact. The impact is only this much. It would have an impact if, for example, petrol or diesel for transporting goods is affected. Now that would have an impact,” said Anwar. “Now, for passenger cars and such, what is the impact? I think the impact is if the car is used to transport materials, staples, food, or other such things,” he added.