Prabowo Insists Subsidised Fuel Prices Will Not Rise: We Will Maintain Them for the Little People

President Prabowo Subianto stated that the domestic fuel supply remains sufficiently strong amid the turmoil of the US-Israel war against Iran. Prabowo emphasised that the government will not raise the price of subsidised fuel.

He conveyed this during a briefing at the government working meeting in the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/4/2026). Prabowo said the government has prepared several measures to address potential fuel crisis threats over the next year.

“Some of these measures have already been announced to control fuel consumption in the short term. What I consider critical is the next year, the next 12 months. After 12 months, we will be very strong. We will explain the measures later,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo stated that the domestic fuel supply is not significantly affected by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, the Indonesian government can still seek other alternatives to secure the domestic fuel supply.

“But the main point now is that we are ready, we are strong in facing this year, the conditions, because our oil and gas sources do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz too much. We can find other alternatives besides our very strong domestic strength,” he said.

Prabowo also praised the performance of his economic sector ministers regarding this matter. He received reports from his subordinates that the supply situation is sufficiently secure.

“There is a period that we must overcome together, but we thank my team, my economic ministers, thank you. They reported, ‘Sir, relax’,” he said.

Prabowo then emphasised that there will be no increase in the price of subsidised fuel. On the other hand, he prohibited wealthy individuals from consuming subsidised fuel, which is intended only for the poor.

“For the subsidised fuel, we will maintain it for the little people, we will maintain it for 80 percent of our people. But at the right time, for the strong people, the rich people, yes, if they want to use expensive petrol, they must pay the market price. You’ve already become rich and still ask for subsidies? No, we protect the poor,” he said.