Prabowo meets with National Economic Council to ensure secure fuel and gas supply
Jakarta (ANTARA) — President Prabowo Subianto received the Chairman and Members of the National Economic Council (DEN) together with several relevant ministers in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 March, to discuss various matters, including ensuring adequate fuel and gas supply stocks.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained in a written statement received Thursday that the meeting discussed developments in the global economy.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the meeting also noted that the current state of national energy supply remains secure. The government will continue to work to maintain the availability of national petroleum fuel (BBM) and gas at sufficient levels to meet domestic needs.
“The meeting conveyed that national BBM and gas supply is in adequate condition. The government will continue to monitor developments in global energy prices and prepare mitigation measures to keep its impact on the state budget under control,” said Cabinet Secretary Teddy.
Beyond discussing energy stability, President Prabowo also emphasised the importance of strategic measures to strengthen national economic resilience.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy noted that one focus highlighted by President Prabowo is accelerating the energy self-sufficiency programme as an effort to reduce dependence on global energy supplies.
“The President also emphasised the importance of accelerating energy self-sufficiency and strengthening government digitalisation, including through piloting the digitalisation of social assistance distribution, to improve the efficiency of state spending,” said Teddy.
Further, President Prabowo also requested that all levels of government continue to increase vigilance regarding evolving global dynamics. Anticipation and policy readiness were deemed important to maintaining national economic stability amid global uncertainty.
“The President requested that all government levels continue to anticipate developments in the global situation and ensure that national economic stability remains protected,” concluded Cabinet Secretary Teddy.
Previously, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia affirmed that fuel supplies are always available throughout the country, so the public need not worry or panic by purchasing the commodity excessively.
“National BBM supply is in a safe condition because production and distribution continue to operate to meet public needs in accordance with operational stock standards set by the government,” explained Minister Bahlil, citing the ESDM Ministry’s Podcast “Bukan Abuleke” broadcast in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Bahlil explained that the capacity of domestic storage tank facilities is indeed limited.
“With the limited storage tank capacity we have, our holding capacity is no more than 25 days. Meanwhile, available stocks have a capacity of up to 23 days. However, this does not mean the 23 days of stock will run out within 23 days. That is not the meaning. That is the holding capacity,” he explained.