Indonesian Lawmaker Slams Sudden Fuel Price Hike Amid Economic Pressures

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesia's state-owned energy company, Pertamina, has sharply increased the prices of its non-subsidised fuel products, Pertamax (RON 92) and Pertamax Green 95, effective Wednesday. The move comes amid growing concerns over household purchasing power and the rising cost of living, prompting criticism from opposition lawmakers.

Under the new pricing scheme, Pertamax (RON 92) rose from Rp12,300 per litre to Rp16,250 per litre, while Pertamax Green 95 increased from Rp12,900 per litre to Rp17,000 per litre.

Mufti Anam, a member of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), criticised the government over the decision, arguing that the increase was introduced at a time when many Indonesians were still facing economic pressures.

“We are certainly disappointed by the latest fuel price increase, especially when people’s purchasing power remains under pressure. The problem is not only the price rise itself, but also the way the policy was adopted and communicated to the public,” Mufti told Suara.com on Wednesday.

According to Mufti, the government failed to provide adequate public communication before implementing the increase. He also questioned the lack of consultation with parliament, which is responsible for overseeing government policies.

“This substantial increase was introduced suddenly, without sufficient public outreach and without a comprehensive explanation to the public. Even the DPR, which is responsible for exercising oversight, was neither informed nor invited to discuss the policy beforehand,” he said.

The East Java legislator argued that such a significant increase could have widespread economic consequences, particularly for lower-income households and small businesses.

He noted that fuel is a key component of transportation and distribution costs, meaning any increase is likely to affect the prices of goods and services across the economy.

“The government must understand that for ordinary people, fuel is not merely a commodity. Fuel prices affect transportation costs, business expenses, distribution costs, and ultimately the prices of everyday necessities,” Mufti said.

He added that Commission VI of the House of Representatives had repeatedly criticised what it sees as the government's tendency to make major economic decisions without sufficient public engagement or parliamentary discussion.

Mufti urged the government to adopt a more transparent and consultative approach when implementing policies that directly affect millions of Indonesians.

“Any policy related to fuel prices should be implemented transparently, carefully, and with full consideration for the conditions faced by the public,” he concluded.