Minister Bahlil urges public to adopt energy-saving habits

Not only to safeguard energy supplies but also to minimise environmental impacts, Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has urged the public to save energy through small habits, such as turning off lights when not in use. “When do you go home? What time do you leave? If there are no more guests and you’re about to go home, don’t forget to turn off the lights,” Bahlil said to employees of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, quoted from an official statement received in Malang, East Java, on Friday. Efficiency efforts are frequently emphasised by Bahlil, particularly since the global energy crisis stemming from the war between the United States (US) and Iran. The government continues to promote awareness of energy saving to make it a daily habit, both in offices and at home. In addition to saving energy by turning off lights when not in use, Bahlil also encouraged the public to switch to electric vehicles. According to him, this effort can help save energy while supporting the use of clean energy. “Now use electric cars, so you save energy and don’t have to queue at petrol stations,” he said. Besides daily habits, the government is also promoting the implementation of more flexible work patterns through the Work From Home (WFH) scheme for civil servants (ASN). This policy aims to reduce daily mobility, thereby curbing oil fuel (BBM) consumption and increasing energy efficiency. This step also aligns with the government’s efforts to accelerate the transition to clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, including in government agency environments. However, the energy sector is one of the sectors exempted from the WFH policy. This is due to the strategic role of the energy sector in maintaining supplies and services that must continue to operate optimally, so the physical presence of personnel in the field or at operational facilities remains necessary.