Jakarta – The Indonesian government is preparing to launch a cleaner fuel program with low sulfur content according to Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR), Dadan Kusdiana. He said this step was taken to improve the efficiency of fuel distribution and ensure the availability of more environmentally friendly fuel.
“We want to ensure more targeted fuel distribution while providing cleaner fuel. We are accelerating this effort so as not to burden the incoming government,” said Dadan as quoted from the Coffee Morning event organised by CNBC Indonesia entitled “Dilemma of Indonesia’s Energy Subsidy amidst the Sluggish Purchasing Power of Citizens”, on Wednesday, July 24.
Dadan emphasised that PT Pertamina (Persero) is ready to provide the fuel. “The fuel is ready at Pertamina, the calculation is clear when we will start. In terms of infrastructure, we have calculated everything,” he added.
Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, stated that the government would start the socialization of targeted subsidized fuel distribution on September 1, 2024. “Yes, so I asked for socialisation first. But there are no fuel restrictions, just socialisation so that it is right on target,” said Airlangga.
This decision was the result of a coordination meeting with Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Wahyu Sakti Trenggono, Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Teten Masduki, and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif. Airlangga added that a more targeted subsidised fuel distribution program will run concurrently with the implementation of the Euro 4 standard for low-sulfur fuels.
Furthermore, Airlangga explained that the government is preparing various scenarios to ensure the distribution of subsidised fuel that is right on target. With Pertamina’s readiness and support from various ministries, the government is optimistic that this clean fuel program will succeed in improving environmental quality and fuel distribution efficiency in Indonesia. (Hartatik)
