Indonesia Increases Pertamax Fuel Price to Rp 16,250 per Liter

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Pertamina confirmed on Monday that the price of Pertamax, its premium gasoline, has been increased to Rp 16,250 per liter, effective immediately, according to a statement from the company’s director. The adjustment, cited as necessary to align with market conditions, follows a series of price revisions across the Indonesian fuel sector. Bahlil Lahadalia, the head of the Presidential Staff for Economic and Social Affairs, stated that the move reflects broader economic pressures, including global oil price fluctuations and currency exchange rate dynamics.

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Pertamina’s decision to raise Pertamax’s price comes amid sustained demand for high-octane fuels in Jakarta and other urban centers. The company emphasized that other fuel types, including Pertalite and Biosolar, will remain unchanged, as reported by Kompas.id. “Ketersediaan energi tetap terjaga,” said Pertamina’s director, citing the company’s commitment to maintaining supply stability. This assertion was echoed by the Ministry of Transportation, which urged local governments to prepare alternative public transportation options to mitigate the impact of the price hike on commuters.

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The price increase has sparked immediate reactions from transport workers, particularly motorcycle taxi drivers (ojol) in Semarang. A report from Kompas.com highlighted that rising fuel costs, combined with surging oil prices, have placed financial strain on independent drivers. “Tarif tak kunjung naik, driver ojol di Semarang menjerit,” the headline read, underscoring the sector’s vulnerability to fuel price volatility. Similar concerns were noted in a CNN Indonesia article, which cited local transport unions calling for emergency subsidies.

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Bahlil Lahadalia’s comments on the Pertamax adjustment were published in detikNews, where he described the decision as “menyesuaikan harga pasar.” The statement aligns with a broader trend of state-owned enterprises adjusting pricing strategies to balance financial sustainability with consumer affordability. However, critics argue that the lack of simultaneous tariff adjustments for public transport services exacerbates the burden on low-income groups.

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Pertamina’s pricing policy has drawn scrutiny from both industry analysts and consumer advocates. Simon Aloysius Mantiri, an economist at the Indonesia Economic Association, noted that the adjustment could trigger a ripple effect on inflation. “The rise in fuel prices may push up transportation and logistics costs, which are then passed to consumers,” Mantiri said, citing a 2025 study on energy policy. The company has not yet released detailed financial data to support its pricing rationale, though it cited “increased production and import costs” as key factors.

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The government’s response to the price hike includes a directive to regional authorities to enhance public transportation services. A statement from the Ministry of Transportation, reported by Epaper Media Indonesia, urged local governments to “ensure the availability of comfortable and affordable public transport options.” This measure aims to reduce reliance on private vehicles, which are expected to see higher operating costs due to the Pertamax increase.

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Pertamina’s announcement coincides with ongoing discussions about the long-term sustainability of Indonesia’s fuel subsidies. The company’s latest move has reignited debates over the role of state-owned enterprises in managing energy prices. While some stakeholders view the adjustment as a necessary step to align with global market trends, others warn of potential social unrest if complementary measures are not implemented.

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As of June 11, 2026, the new Pertamax price has been rolled out at SPBU Pertamina stations nationwide. The company has not indicated plans for further adjustments in the near term, though it has reserved the right to revisit pricing based on market conditions. Meanwhile, consumer groups are calling for transparency in the calculation of fuel prices, citing the need for clearer communication from both Pertamina and the government.

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The situation underscores the complex interplay between energy policy, economic stability, and public welfare in Indonesia. With fuel prices remaining a critical factor in inflation and household budgets, the government’s ability to balance these priorities will be closely watched by investors, analysts, and citizens alike.

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“Ketersediaan energi tetap terjaga,” said Pertamina’s director, citing the company’s commitment to maintaining supply stability.SourceKompas.id
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“Tarif tak kunjung naik, driver ojol di Semarang menjerit.”SourceKompas.com
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“The rise in fuel prices may push up transportation and logistics costs, which are then passed to consumers.”SourceSimon Aloysius Mantiri, Indonesia Economic Association