Philippines and Thailand Implement WFH; Indonesia Examines Fuel Savings Options

The government is currently examining various fuel conservation measures as a precautionary step against the impact of Middle East conflicts on national energy security. This was stated by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, following a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

Bahlil said the government is conducting various simulations to prepare several policy options, including efforts to improve fuel efficiency domestically.

“We are currently conducting exercises on all alternatives that we will use for the benefit of our country, whilst also promoting fuel efficiency,” Bahlil said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday (12 March).

According to him, the government has not yet made a final decision regarding fuel conservation policy. This is because the global geopolitical situation remains unstable due to conflicts in the Middle East region.

Bahlil also responded to policies from several countries such as the Philippines and Thailand which are beginning to implement energy conservation measures, including work-from-home (WFH) policies to reduce office activities.

However, he emphasised that the Indonesian government is still studying the most appropriate options before making a decision. “There is no definitive decision yet, because all alternatives are in unstable conditions like this. We must explore various alternatives,” he said.