PDIP Legislator Regrets 'Secretive' Pertamax Price Hike

The head of the PDIP faction in House Commission VI, Mufti Anam, has expressed regret over Pertamina’s decision to raise the selling price of non-subsidised fuel products Pertamax and Pertamax Green. Mufti stated that the policy was enacted without involving Commission VI in its oversight role. “We never received prior information, were never invited to discuss, and were never asked for consideration regarding this Pertamax price increase,” Mufti told reporters on Wednesday. He said the decision appeared to be taken in a secretive manner and lamented that the House was not involved in such a crucial policy. “We have repeatedly conveyed our objection to this kind of policy-making pattern. A fuel price increase, even for non-subsidised products, still impacts the wider community and should not be done in a way that appears secretive and lacking communication,” he said. Mufti requested greater transparency from Pertamina and urged that such communication lapses not be repeated. “We ask the government and Pertamina to be more open, to respect the oversight function of the House, and not to repeat communication patterns that have caused public disappointment,” he added. Pertamina Patra Niaga confirmed it adjusted the prices of non-subsidised Pertamax and Pertamax Green starting 10 June. Pertamax rose to Rp 16,250 per litre and Pertamax Green 95 to Rp 17,000 per litre. Corporate Secretary Roberth MV Dumatubun explained the adjustment followed coordination with the government and was based on a periodic evaluation considering world oil prices and market economic pricing. Prices for Pertamax Turbo, Dexlite, and Pertamina Dex remained unchanged, as did subsidised Pertalite and Biosolar fuels.