PAN: Government on alert over impacts of global conflict as national energy stocks remain secure

Chair of the PAN faction and Deputy Speaker of the DPR RI’s Commission XII, Putri Zulkifli Hasan, praised the government’s readiness to anticipate an escalation of conflict in the Middle East. She said the government’s swift steps are crucial to securing global oil trade routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital hub in global distribution.

Putri noted that Economy Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto’s statement that fuel supplies are secure is a positive signal for economic stability. She said the government has already developed robust mitigation scenarios, including diversifying energy import sources.

‘The government’s move to ensure energy reserves remain safe is a positive signal. The strategic cooperation between Pertamina and global companies such as Chevron and ExxonMobil ensures alternative supply lines remain open if there is a disruption to global distribution,’ she said in a statement on Wednesday 4 March.

Although supplies are secure, Putri warned of major price challenges. Currently, world oil prices have risen to around USD 80 per barrel. This rise risks placing pressure on the state budget (APBN), particularly in subsidies and energy compensation.

‘The main challenge is not merely supply availability, but the potential price surge that could erode purchasing power if not managed carefully,’ she said.

Moreover, Putri asserted that the PAN faction fully supports the government’s anticipatory measures to balance the health of the APBN with protection for vulnerable groups. She emphasised the importance of data accuracy in every policy decision.

As head of Commission XII, Putri said her faction would continue to exercise oversight in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and Pertamina. The aim is to keep national fuel stocks maintained and procurement strategies effective amid geopolitical dynamics.

On the other hand, she believes the current global situation should be a momentum for Indonesia to strengthen energy resilience via increased oil and gas production and accelerated transition to renewable energy.

‘The government has shown readiness. Our shared task is to ensure stability remains and that the people are not burdened. PAN stands with the government to keep national energy secure while ensuring protections for purchasing power,’ Putri concluded.