Subsidized Fuel Prices Held, Prabowo Says Energy Management is Still Safe

President Prabowo Subianto stated that the government has been able to maintain subsidized fuel prices amidst global energy pressures. He attributed this success to the effective energy management by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, and the state-owned oil company Pertamina. Speaking at the celebration of Minister Bahlil's 50th birthday and the launch of 10 books at the Jakarta Theater on Friday, August 7, Prabowo said, "Because the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Pertamina are good at managing our energy, we can maintain subsidized fuel, we still haven't raised it." According to the President, Indonesia's situation is relatively calmer compared to many other countries beginning to face pressure due to changes in the global situation. "Even though many other countries are already a little panicked, Indonesia is still cool, still calm. It's not that it's not facing difficulties," he remarked. Prabowo did not specify the exact energy pressures in question or the extent of the government's burden to maintain subsidized fuel prices. He also did not mention when this pricing policy would be maintained. The President expressed confidence due to the results shown by several government programs. Beyond energy, he touched upon the achievement of food self-sufficiency, stating that it better prepares Indonesia to face global threats. "Food self-sufficiency is real. Check all warehouses. We are ready," Prabowo asserted. He assessed that food and energy policies must originate from the basic needs of the community, emphasizing that the government must use common sense and prioritize the people's interests in its decision-making. On the same occasion, Prabowo gave a satisfactory assessment of Bahlil's performance as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, while also noting that there is still room for ministers to continue improving their work results.