Transparency of Energy Stocks Key to Preventing Panic Buying

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) has called on the government to open up data on energy stocks on a regular and transparent basis amid threats of disruptions to oil and LPG supplies due to escalating tensions in the Gulf region. IESR assesses that openness of information is key to preventing public panic, dampening speculation, and maintaining public trust in the government’s anticipatory measures.

IESR acknowledges that government statements guaranteeing the availability of fuel oil (BBM) and gas are important in the initial phase of a crisis. However, such guarantees must be supported by openness regarding the real conditions of reserves, supply security schemes, and potential impacts on national energy costs.

IESR Chief Executive Officer Fabby Tumiwa stated that government communication in energy crisis situations must be built on open data. “Public trust can only be maintained if the government regularly opens up energy supply data and is honest about crisis anticipation steps,” Fabby said in his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday (1/4/2026).

Previously, the government announced several measures following the threat of an energy supply crisis after rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. President Prabowo Subianto instructed his apparatus to implement several programmes, including the construction of 100 gigawatt (GW) solar power plants (PLTS), replacement of diesel power plants (PLTD) with PLTS and battery energy storage systems, conversion of 120 million internal combustion engine motorcycles to electric motorcycles, work from home (WFH) one day per week, and acceleration of the B50 programme.

In a press conference on Tuesday (31/3/2026), the government outlined several anticipatory measures framed within national energy efficiency. Those steps include budget efficiency, energy saving, and restrictions on BBM purchases to a maximum of 50 litres per day.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia conveyed that his side has identified sources of fossil energy supplies from other countries to secure national needs. The government also stated that Indonesia’s energy reserves, both BBM and gas, remain above the national minimum standard.

Fabby assessed that such statements are indeed necessary to prevent the public from engaging in excessive purchases. “Open communication regarding the real conditions of LPG and BBM stocks is key to preventing harmful speculation and increasing public trust,” he said.

IESR views energy stock transparency as important not only from the public’s psychological perspective but also closely related to managing public expectations of government energy policies. According to the institution, the public is currently very sensitive to the gap between official statements and field realities. When information is limited, the space for rumours and speculation becomes wider.