Prabowo Asks Bahlil-Purbaya to Find Ways to Prevent Fuel Prices from Burdening the People

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto has issued specific directives to his ministers regarding subsidised Fuel Oil (BBM) pricing policies amid the escalation of Middle East geopolitical conflicts.

Prabowo has instructed the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia and Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to formulate the best schemes so that energy prices do not burden the public’s purchasing power.

Minister of ESDM Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that the government is currently striving to contain the impact of the global energy crisis so that it is not directly felt by the people. Calculations regarding subsidy buffers are being intensively discussed between ministries.

“Pray for us from the government, especially for subsidies; up until last night, the President’s directive was to find ways so that we do not burden the people,” Bahlil stated during a press conference after inspecting BBM supplies at the Bolon petrol station in Colomadu Subdistrict, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, on Thursday (26/3/2026).

Bahlil assured that to date, the government has decided to hold prices and has not adjusted subsidised BBM tariffs. His office, along with the Ministry of Finance, continues to calculate the budget to ensure subsidy allocations remain secure amid fluctuations in world crude oil prices.

“So for subsidies, I and the Finance Minister are continuously seeking the best solutions. Even in a crisis, we still pay attention to the people’s conditions,” he added.

In addition to BBM, the government has also ensured the availability of other energy supplies remains stable with controlled prices.

“All electric vehicles are also served well, LPG is served well in terms of goods availability, and diesel is also good with prices that, alhamdulillah, have not increased so far. We have not raised prices,” he emphasised.