PDIP Speaks Out on Pertamax Price Hike

House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VI member in charge of energy from the PDIP faction, Mufti Anam, has criticised the government’s decision to raise non-subsidised fuel prices effective Wednesday (10/6). Mufti not only questioned the increase because it was implemented amid depressed public purchasing power, but also because it was not communicated properly. He said the hike was announced suddenly without adequate socialisation. “This quite significant increase happened suddenly, without adequate socialisation, without a complete explanation to the public,” Mufti said when contacted. In fact, Commission VI as the government’s partner in the energy sector had never received any prior information either. Yet, according to Mufti, the party has repeatedly criticised this pattern. “Even the DPR as an institution carrying out the oversight function never received information or was invited to discuss it beforehand,” he said. According to Mufti, fuel is not merely a commodity for the public. Fuel is an instrument that directly influences transport costs, business, distribution, and the price of daily necessities. Therefore, he said, every policy related to fuel should be carried out transparently, carefully, and with full empathy for the people’s condition. Mufti also touched on a video about Bahlil that has recently gone viral. According to him, the video titled ‘My Little Bolu Ketan’ was not solely praise, but rather a hope from the public conveyed in a nice way. “That is the people’s way of conveying hope nicely to the government. There is a message to be delivered that the people want the government to be present, work harder, and keep the prices of public necessities under control,” he said. Mufti urged the government and Pertamina to openly explain to the public the reasons behind the increase, including the steps prepared to protect the public from any subsequent impacts that may arise. “What often disappoints the public is not only the price increase, but because they feel they were not consulted and not given an adequate explanation. Suddenly the price changes, while purchasing power is still depressed and businesses still face various challenges,” he said.