Geopolitical Conflict Continues, Prabowo Orders Bahlil to Seek Alternative Energy

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has disclosed the latest directive from President Prabowo Subianto regarding the energy sector, amid ongoing geopolitical turmoil. Prabowo has instructed Bahlil to seek alternative energy sources with a focus on gas fuel. “By chance, we are observing that the geopolitical developments are not yet resolved. The President has ordered us to immediately seek alternative energies. Specifically, our current focus is the acceleration of the transition from LPG to CNG,” said Bahlil following a meeting with Prabowo at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday (11/6/2026). On the same occasion, Bahlil also revealed discussions on mining governance and fuel availability. “Secondly, the arrangement of mining. And thirdly, the readiness of PLN’s energy sector and the availability of our fuel. I think that is all,” he stated. Meanwhile, Bahlil responded to the increase in non-subsidised fuel prices, such as Pertamax and Pertamax Green. He explained the price hikes align with market prices. “Now, the non-subsidised prices are adjusting to the prevailing market price. Certainly, these calculations will be made judiciously by business operators, both Pertamina and other private sector players,” he clarified. Bahlil stated the government is currently formulating incentives to maintain public purchasing power. One measure is not raising the price of subsidised fuel. “The government is currently working on matters related to preserving public purchasing power. That is why, in order to safeguard purchasing power, we have not raised subsidised fuel prices at all,” he said. “Meanwhile, other adjustments are being made. We shall check later with business operators, including Pertamina,” he continued.