Indonesian House of Representatives member calls for concrete steps to respond to BBM price increases

Indonesian House of Representatives member Shanty Alda Nathalia, of Commission XII, urged the government to prepare concrete steps to respond to rising prices of petroleum fuel (BBM) ahead of Lebaran 2026. In a statement released in Jakarta on Sunday, she said the situation warranted serious attention because it could trigger a chain reaction affecting transport costs, logistics, and prices of goods and services at the community level. She noted that any adjustment to BBM prices generally has a direct impact on the transport and distribution of goods sectors. She stated that if not anticipated properly, the rise in operating costs could lead to higher prices for essential goods felt directly by the public. ‘Price increases for several types of BBM require shared attention because they potentially add pressure to transport and logistics costs, which will in turn impact the prices of goods and services at the community level,’ Shanty said. She emphasised that the current price hike occurs in a sensitive period, Ramadan, and as we prepare for Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr). During that period, public mobility typically increases significantly due to the mudik homecoming and the rise in economic activity and household consumption. ‘This condition needs to be anticipated promptly by the government given that we are in the middle of Ramadan and approaching Lebaran, where public mobility rises and household consumption typically increases. The government is expected to anticipate so that BBM price adjustments do not place undue pressure on purchasing power,’ she said. As a member of Commission XII overseeing the energy sector, Shanty also urged the government to ensure energy supply stability and to maintain a balance between energy policy and protecting purchasing power. She considered proactive steps essential so that the Ramadan and Lebaran momentum can proceed well without excessive economic pressure on the public, especially middle-income and vulnerable groups. Looking ahead, Shanty hopes the government will continue to monitor energy price dynamics while preparing responsive policies to safeguard the stability of the public’s economy during the religious festive period.