Indonesia enlists universities to reduce fuel imports amid oil crisis
Jakarta (ANTARA) -
President Prabowo Subianto has ordered Indonesian universities to fast-track research on reducing fuel consumption to mitigate the impact of high global oil prices, a senior minister said on Thursday.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that academic experts and professors are tasked with finding immediate efficiencies in domestic fuel and gas usage to bolster national energy security.
“The President requested a rapid assessment from higher education institutions. The aim is to provide strategic recommendations that can immediately reduce our reliance on imported fuel, diesel, and LPG,” Yuliarto told reporters following a meeting with the President.
The study, expected to be finalized by April 2026, will focus on vehicle electrification and phasing out diesel power plants. Replacing diesel with solar power is a primary directive from the president.
Yuliarto noted that stopping diesel imports alone could save the state approximately Rp25 trillion. He emphasized that Indonesia must shift toward renewable energy to lower costs and reduce environmental impact.
“The President wants to eliminate diesel usage because of its high price and poor environmental record. Replacing it with renewable energy sources like solar power will be a significant step forward,” the minister added.
Recommendations from the research will be submitted to relevant ministries and agencies. Several universities have already begun their assessments to ensure the government can implement these efficiency measures without delay.
The initiative comes as Jakarta intensifies efforts to protect the state budget from global energy market volatility and geopolitical disruptions that continue to drive up international crude prices.
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Indonesia taps universities to slash fuel imports amid oil crisis
March 20, 2026 20:46 GMT+700
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto speaks to reporters regarding energy efficiency research at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (March 19, 2026). (ANTARA/HO-Personal Documentation)
Translator: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak