Giving directives to an All-Sumatra Governors Coordination Meeting in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Friday, the president said the energy and fuel efficiency movement was part of efforts to save state funds and to promote national development.
"I ask all parties to make the energy and fuel saving movement a success," the head of state said, adding that the movement would start in August 2011.
He added that the energy and fuel efficiency movement was a follow-up of a similar campaign in 2008.
According to the president, the energy and fuel efficiency movement was urgently needed to reduce the state`s subsidy burden in the energy sector.
Yudhoyono said that basically the subsidy for people`s welfare was good, but if it was not on target, it should be reviewed.
The president explained that energy subsidies in Indonesia were very large, and if it could be reduced the government could allocate the funds to other sectors, especially education, health, and infrastructure.
Through a video conference from Palembang, President Yudhoyono also marked the start of the 2x110 MW Mulut Tambang Bajarsari thermal power plant (PLTU) project in Lahat district, South Sumatra.
On the occasion the head of state explained that the thermal m power plant project was part of the government`s plan to build a number of power plants across the country.
President Yudhoyono said the project was in accordance with what was written in the Master Plan of Expansion and Acceleration of Indonesian Economic Development (MP3EI), especially for the Sumatra corridor.
"We hope this project can increase electricity power in this region," the president said.
The head of state also called on all related parties to work together for the success of the PLTU project in Lahat district, South Sumatra, with a primary concern for working safety and security.
(Uu.O001/HAJM/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
