Misbakhun Responds to JK's Statement on Raising Fuel Prices

Chairman of DPR Commission XI, Misbakhun, has responded to the statement by former Vice President Jusuf Kalla regarding fuel subsidies. He stated that JK does not have access to the latest data on fiscal conditions and the state budget.

He explained that the calculations from the Ministry of Finance regarding the subsidies are supported by meticulous computations and take into account the fiscal capacity.

“The Finance Minister’s calculations presented at the Commission XI meeting ensure that subsidised fuel prices will not rise until the end of 2026, even assuming an average world oil price of US$100 per barrel,” said Misbakhun in his statement on Thursday (9/4).

As a national figure, he emphasised that the discourse put forward by Jusuf Kalla to raise fuel prices is inappropriate and lacks prudence.

He stated that it is fitting for JK, with his experience of two terms as vice president in two presidential administrations, to build narratives that soothe.

“As a national figure, the discourse presented by Jusuf Kalla to impose his will by raising fuel prices is inappropriate and lacks prudence,” he said.

Previously, JK stated that the government should raise fuel prices in order to reduce energy subsidies that have been in place. He emphasised that energy subsidies would create a state budget deficit and thus must be reduced.