Prabowo Demands Energy Savings; Energy Ministry Prepares Strategic Measures

Jakarta — The government is preparing strategic measures to ensure optimal utilisation of national energy amid global economic dynamics. This directive was delivered by President Prabowo Subianto during a Full Cabinet Session at the State Palace in Jakarta.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung stated that as a follow-up, the ministry is conducting an evaluation of various fuel-consuming sectors, including the power generation sector. Additionally, the government is promoting increased use of alternative energy sources, such as gas, to create more efficient and sustainable energy consumption.

“Following President Prabowo’s directive, we are implementing efficiency measures. To that end, we are immediately taking anticipatory steps. Firstly, we are evaluating how fuel is used in our power plants, and we are also evaluating gas usage. We are examining how efficiency can be achieved,” said Yuliot after inspecting the readiness of fuel and LPG supplies ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H in Padalarang, Bandung.

According to Yuliot, the evaluation is not solely focused on the power generation sector but also encompasses various operational activities using fuel to ensure careful energy management.

“Essentially, the President is asking us to conduct energy management to be more efficient,” he added.

Previously, President Prabowo requested Cabinet members to prepare various energy-saving measures as a precaution against potential global energy crises. One option being considered is the implementation of work-from-home arrangements and reduced working days, similar to measures adopted by Pakistan.

“I will ask this to be discussed, perhaps by the coordinating ministers. Over the coming days, we will consider it. During the Covid period, we managed successfully. Many worked from home, which was efficient. We saved fuel in very large quantities. Therefore, reducing working days is also being considered along with other savings measures. Although we feel secure and are not panicking, we must not be too careless,” said Prabowo.

The President noted that experience during the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that adjusting work activities, such as increased work-from-home arrangements, proved effective in reducing fuel consumption.