There is a War and Indonesia Still Imports BBM, Prabowo Directs Technology Minister

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, said President Prabowo Subianto has directed efforts to develop technology to help Indonesia reduce dependence on imported BBM and LPG. The approach includes replacing diesel-fired power plants (PLTD) with solar energy, converting conventional motorcycles to electric propulsion, and promoting the use of electric stoves.

This was stated by Brian after a limited meeting with President Prabowo on energy transition at the State Palace on Thursday, 5 March 2026. The meeting was also attended by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and Investment and Hilirisasi Minister Rosan Roeslani.

Brian explained that universities have been asked to provide research support to accelerate the construction of PLTS.

“From universities, we are asked to put research results and studies to work to accelerate solar cells and PLTS, especially to replace power plants whose cost is still high, i.e., diesel-powered plants,” Brian said.

The President also asked to accelerate the programme to convert conventional motorcycles to electric motorcycles, because BBM consumption is large.

“Electric vehicles. Why? Because the two items above—the diesel plants and electric vehicles—are still dependent on BBM,” he said.

Brian explained that currently the price of imported BBM is quite high, which has a significant impact on national finances. Therefore, by replacing PLTD with PLTS and accelerating the switch to electric vehicles, Indonesia’s dependence on imported BBM can be reduced.

“Thus our dependence on imports and on prices that may change rapidly can be reduced,” he added.

Brian also noted that the President asked to accelerate the wider use of electric stoves in society, because Indonesia’s dependence on LPG is also considerable. When prices rise, this becomes a burden on national finances.

“Therefore when LPG prices rise, our dependence on LPG, the LPG subsidy burden, and electricity subsidies must be reduced, so that BBM remains more stable,” Brian said.

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