Jakarta—The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR), simultaneously launched 14 fuel distributors in the Maluku and Papua regions. These are part of 40 new distribution points in the first phase of 2024. The move aims to address fuel price inequality across Indonesia.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources considers the One Price Fuel Policy or ‘Kebijakan Satu BBM’ a concrete step to create justice and equity for people living in outermost, remote, and underdeveloped (3T) areas. Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot emphasized the importance of this policy to eliminate price disparities between regions that have the potential to cause injustice and trigger horizontal conflicts.
“We want to ensure that all Indonesian people, including those living in remote areas, get the same affordable fuel price. This is part of the realisation of the fifth principle of Pancasila, which is social justice for all Indonesian people,” Yuliot said in an official statement at the inauguration of 14 One Price Fuel Distributors for the Maluku cluster centred in Ternate, North Maluku, Wednesday, October 30.
Yuliot said that price inequality between regions often causes social jealousy that can disrupt national stability. He continued that the One Price Fuel policy is expected to overcome this problem, provide equal access to the community, and reduce the potential for conflict in vulnerable areas.
Head of the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas), Erika Retnowati, who was also present at the inauguration, emphasized that BPH Migas is fully committed to overseeing the smooth distribution of One Price Fuel. According to her, this program is important to ensure quality and equitable economic growth throughout the country.
“We will continue to oversee this policy so that One Price people throughout Indonesia can truly enjoy BBM. This is one of our efforts to realize the vision of a Golden Indonesia with fair access to energy,” said Erika.
Erika explained that in 2024, the government targets the construction of 71 One Price BBM distributors, and by September 2024, 40 of them have been completed.
As the country’s main energy provider, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is also directly involved in implementing One Price Fuel. Riva Siahaan, the President and Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, stated Pertamina’s commitment to ensuring the availability and affordability of energy throughout Indonesia, especially in the 3T areas.
“We do not only ensure affordable fuel prices but also pay attention to the sustainability aspects of energy accessibility,” Riva explained.
He said that One Price Fuel is part of the government’s mission to improve people’s welfare and provide a positive economic impact throughout Indonesia. With this policy, the government hopes to create more equitable distribution and strengthen the sense of unity among people from various regions in Indonesia. (Hartatik)
