Government Plans to Restrict Pertalite Sales to Ensure Targeted Subsidies
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has revealed the government’s plan to restrict purchases of subsidised fuel oil (BBM), particularly Pertalite (RON 90), to certain groups.
The plan was discussed by Bahlil together with Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa in a meeting held at the Ministry of Finance office in Jakarta on Tuesday (11/8/2026).
Bahlil stressed that the government is currently finalising the restriction system. According to him, the move is in line with the President’s directive to tidy up the subsidy scheme so that it is no longer enjoyed by consumers from the upper economic class.
“Earlier we also discussed the pattern of well-targeted subsidies. As we all know, some subsidies are not well targeted. Why should the rich be subsidised by us, for example Pertalite. Decile 9 and decile 10 still receive subsidies,” Bahlil said after the meeting with Purbaya at the Ministry of Finance office in Jakarta on Tuesday (11/8/2026).
In detail, the plan to restrict the distribution of subsidised Pertalite fuel applies only to affluent groups. The policy plan was adopted to ensure that the energy subsidy allocation, which reaches hundreds of trillions of rupiah, is well targeted and only enjoyed by those who are entitled to it.
Furthermore, the restriction is planned to target certain vehicle categories deemed unworthy of receiving state subsidies. Bahlil stressed that luxury vehicle criteria will be one of the main references in implementing the new rule in the field.
“Later, regarding the restriction, there will be certain vehicle types. Don’t use a BMW or a Mercedes and still use subsidised fuel,” Bahlil asserted.
Although the restriction on subsidised fuel for four-wheeled vehicles is being developed, the government has confirmed that motorcycle users will not be included in the Pertalite restriction scheme. In addition, the government is committed to keeping subsidised fuel prices from rising amid fluctuations in world oil prices.
“The Minister and I agree that with the uncertain world ICP price up to now, we both have a commitment based on the President’s order that subsidised fuel prices will not increase,” Bahlil stressed.
On the other hand, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said that the monitoring system operated by PT Pertamina (Persero) is currently sufficiently ready to support the implementation of the policy. The government continues to study the most effective scheme so that subsidy reduction can be carried out gradually without causing disruption.
“We are studying the system. I have also had a chance to see Pertamina’s system, which is quite good and ready to be implemented. We are currently testing the system; Pertamina has tested the system and I have seen it,” Purbaya said.
Currently the focus is on keeping the subsidy instrument under control and not exceeding the set ceiling. Purbaya said digital system trials continue to be monitored so that upper-class groups automatically switch to non-subsidised fuel according to their economic capacity.
“We are currently testing the system; Pertamina has tested the system and I have seen it. They can make it so that decile 9 and 10 cannot buy subsidised fuel. They must pay for Pertamax or other fuels. Something like that,” Purbaya concluded.