"Why is it? Because it is important that sectors of industries that affect the life of the people be under the state control to ensure that everything goes well," Lahadalia stated at the Presidential Palace Complex on Monday.
He emphasized that collaboration with Pertamina is crucial, as fuel is a vital necessity that must be controlled by the state to ensure the public's needs are met.
The ministry has also assigned a special team to monitor fuel distribution nationwide, he said.
Moreover, according to the minister, the government has given an additional 10 percent of fuel imports for private companies, hence disproving any notion of import restriction.
"For example, Company 'A' received 1 million kiloliters in 2024, and in 2025, we allowed them to import 1 million plus an additional 10 percent, totaling 1.1 million kiloliters. This demonstrates that the claim we didn’t provide adequate import quotas is incorrect," he explained.
Lahadalia affirmed that the government will continue monitoring ongoing conditions, including potential effects of fuel scarcity on employment, to ensure that shortages at fuel stations operated by private companies will be resolved by Pertamina's assistance.
Earlier, Deputy Minister Yuliot Tanjung stated that Indonesia plans to import oil from the United States to address fuel scarcity at filling stations operated by private companies.
"This import is also part of our commitment to maintaining the trade balance with the United States," he said here on Friday (September 12), responding to questions about strategies to address shortages affecting private operators such as Shell and bp.
However, Pertamina's assistance will remain a priority, as the ministry has instructed private companies to submit detailed reports on their required oil volumes and specifications.
These reports will serve as the basis for Pertamina to assess whether it can meet demand; otherwise, new imports will remain an option.
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Translator: Andi F/Genta Tenri M, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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