April 19, 2026 | 03:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mufti Anam, a member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR), has criticized PT Pertamina’s policy to raise the prices of non-subsidized fuels, specifically Pertamax Turbo, Dexlite, and Pertamina Dex. According to Mufti, this move contradicts previous government assurances that no fuel price hikes would occur despite oil scarcity driven by Middle East conflicts.
He also questioned the implementation of the tariff hike, which he claims occurred without prior public socialization. "Once again, Pertamina has increased fuel prices without any preparation, and the increase is quite significant. This policy will undoubtedly burden the people," the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician stated on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
According to price information on the MyPertamina website, the cost of RON 98 Pertamax Turbo rose from Rp13,100 per liter to Rp19,400 per liter. Dexlite jumped from Rp14,200 per liter to Rp23,600 per liter, while Pertamina Dex skyrocketed from Rp14,500 per liter to Rp23,900 per liter.
Although the prices of subsidized fuels remain unchanged, Mufti views the decision as a regression and a failure by the government to uphold its commitments. He argued that the government merely offers temporary comfort before unilaterally raising prices.
"Yesterday, the public was reassured by the narrative that fuel prices would not increase. The people were asked to believe and remain calm," he said. "It turns out the government has indeed given false hope to the people."
Mufti contended that the hike in non-subsidized fuel, while primarily used by the middle to upper class, will still ripple through all layers of society, including the lower-income brackets. This is particularly true if subsidized supplies in certain regions become hindered, forcing consumers to switch to non-subsidized alternatives.
"This is no longer just about subsidies; this is about justice for the people. It is about the government's insensitivity in raising prices when the economy is not in good shape," he added.
Mufti expressed bewilderment that the government would make such extreme decisions just as the energy distribution routes in the Strait of Hormuz are reopening. He urged the government to adjust prices only when the global situation has improved, rather than "waiting for the people to move before the prices change."
Conversely, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadali stated that the government would not raise subsidized fuel prices until the end of the year. He maintained that this decision follows President Prabowo Subianto's directive to maintain price stability, as the national energy supply remains secure.
"I wish to convey to the public that, God willing, our stocks are above the minimum standard for diesel, gasoline, and LPG. It is secure, and I reiterate that we have agreed on the President's direction that subsidized fuel prices will not be raised until the end of the year," Bahlil said, as quoted from a written statement on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Nandito Putra contributed to this article.
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