DIGIVESTASI - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has responded to issues related to energy subsidies, especially fuel subsidies, which are rumored to be diverted to support the 3 million house construction program. Bahlil asserted that the information was incorrect and stressed that there had been no discussion regarding the transfer of subsidies to the program.

“That's not true, we are still in the study stage. There is no such idea yet,” Bahlil said when confirmed about the issue at the Four Seasons Hotel, Jakarta, Tuesday (5/11/2024).

Currently, the government is focusing on ensuring that energy subsidies, including fuel and electricity, are well-targeted and received by people who really need them. Bahlil also stated that his party is considering various options to improve the subsidy scheme.

Among the options under consideration, Bahlil revealed that there is a possibility of changing the subsidy scheme from goods to Direct Cash Assistance (BLT), as well as the option of subsidies that are still given directly to fuel products.

“The decision will be made at the right time, and the current options are getting closer to that direction,” Bahlil said at a press conference at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Office, Jakarta.

Bahlil also mentioned that if later the subsidy turns into a form of BLT, yellow-plate public vehicles are still considered to continue to receive subsidies.

“Some subsidies are right on target and some are not. For those that are not on target, we will prepare another scheme. Subsidies remain, some in cash and some in kind,” he explained.

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