Prabowo Directs Bahlil to Address Energy Issues and Fuel Prices

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia to resolve three critical issues: the implementation of mining downstreaming for coal companies, persistent power outages in Kalimantan, and the stabilization of fuel prices for Pertalite and Solar. These directives, reported by CNBC Indonesia and Kompas, prioritize national energy security and industrial value addition.

The President specifically instructed that companies holding Special Mining Business Permits (IUPK) must execute downstreaming processes. According to Kompas, Prabowo emphasized that these companies are obligated to move beyond raw material exports to increase the national economic value of coal resources.

Mandatory Downstreaming for IUPK Holders

The mandate for downstreaming targets companies operating under the Izin Usaha Pertambangan Khusus (IUPK). Prabowo Subianto stated that these entities must transition toward processing minerals and coal domestically.

Fuel Price Controls and Power Grid Failures

Prabowo Subianto has explicitly prohibited Minister Bahlil Lahadalia from increasing the prices of Pertalite and Solar, according to reports from CNN Indonesia.

Simultaneously, the President ordered the immediate resolution of electricity blackouts affecting the Kalimantan region. Detik.com reports that Prabowo directed Bahlil to handle the power instability to prevent further economic disruption in the province.

The urgency of the power crisis in Kalimantan is further highlighted by the Ombudsman of South Kalimantan. The agency has requested a formal explanation from the state electricity company, PLN, following a series of public reports regarding unreliable power services, according to the Ombudsman Republik Indonesia.

Ministerial Coordination and Public Accountability