Ahead of Subsidized Fuel Restrictions, Use MyPertamina or Based on Vehicle CC?

JAKARTA – The government plans fuel restrictions (fuel) subsidies as of August 17, 2024. Gajah Muda University (UGM) Energy Observer Fahmy Radhi doubts that fuel restrictions will apply in the near future, considering the time is too short.

Fahmy said that there are other things that the government must do first before limiting purchases. subsidized fuel such as Pertalite and Solar.

“The mechanism for the restriction should have been decided first. Whether it uses MyPertamina as agreed by Pertamina, or also restrictions based on cubic centimeters (CC),” he explained when contacted by MNC Portal Indonesia, quoted Tuesday (16/7/2024).

But admitted Fahmy, when fuel purchase subsidies are limited according to vehicle capacity, for example 1,400 cc, so it will be difficult to implement because it will make things difficult for gas station officers.

Therefore, he asked the government to first revise Presidential Decree 191 of 2014 concerning the Provision, Distribution, and Retail Selling Price of Fuel Oil (BBM) which includes restrictions on Pertalite and diesel.

“Well, after there is a mechanism, then the Presidential Regulation must be changed first, Presidential Regulation 191, socialization, then restrictions are implemented,” he explained.

On the same occasion, Fahmy assessed that the statement by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan regarding the restriction on the purchase of subsidized fuel starting August 17, 2024 was counterproductive.

“I think Luhut’s statement is counterproductive. First, it is unclear and second, it has also been denied by many of Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) ministers,” explained Fahmy when contacted by MNC Portal Indonesia, Sunday (14/7/2024).

According to him, Luhut’s statement regarding the Pertalite restriction on August 17, 2024 was misinterpreted by the public as an increase in the price of subsidized fuel. “Some people understand it that way. Well, if this is not straightened out, I think it is dangerous,” he said.

Fahmy admitted that he was worried that approaching August 17, 2024, people would flock to gas stations to buy subsidized fuel because they thought the price would be increased.

“Because of that understanding, (then) panic buying occurs and then there will be queues and this will cause social unrest even though the previous restrictions have not resulted in a price increase,” he concluded.

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