Revealed: The Main Reason Prabowo is Reluctant to Raise Subsidised Fuel Prices

The government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable options. President Prabowo Subianto has assured that the government will continue to uphold the prices of subsidised fuel oil. This step aims to protect small communities. “We can seek other alternatives. We have strong domestic strengths. There is a period that we must overcome together, but I thank my team, my economic ministers are reliable. They reported, ‘Sir, stay calm, for subsidised fuel we will maintain it for the small people and the poor, we will uphold it for 80% of our people’,” Prabowo stated during the government working meeting briefing at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4). He emphasised that subsidies must be targeted and not enjoyed by capable groups in society. According to him, people with high economic capacity should pay market prices. “But in time, strong people, rich people, if they want to use expensive petrol, they must pay the market price. Already rich, yet still asking for subsidies. What we defend are the poor people,” he stressed. Prabowo also reminded that this situation is a phase that must be faced together. At the same time, it becomes a momentum to strengthen national self-reliance. “This is only a certain period. We must not become a nation that is too complacent. Let us correct ourselves, our nation has been given too many blessings by the Almighty,” he continued. In addition, Prabowo revealed that Indonesia has vast potential in alternative energy sources. From coal reserves to plant-based raw materials like cassava and corn that can be processed into fuel. “I have data, our new sources and reserves are very large. Even our coal is plentiful. From coal we can produce diesel, petrol. From cassava, from corn,” Prabowo concluded.