President Prabowo Subianto has ordered Indonesian universities to fast-track research on reducing fuel consumption to mitigate the impact of high global oil prices, a senior minister said on Thursday.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that academic experts and professors are tasked with finding immediate efficiencies in domestic fuel and gas usage to bolster national energy security.
“The President requested a rapid assessment from higher education institutions. The aim is to provide strategic recommendations that can immediately reduce our reliance on imported fuel, diesel, and LPG,” Yuliarto told reporters following a meeting with the President.
The study, expected to be finalized by April 2026, will focus on vehicle electrification and phasing out diesel power plants. Replacing diesel with solar power is a primary directive from the president.
Yuliarto noted that stopping diesel imports alone could save the state approximately Rp25 trillion. He emphasized that Indonesia must shift toward renewable energy to lower costs and reduce environmental impact.
“The President wants to eliminate diesel usage because of its high price and poor environmental record. Replacing it with renewable energy sources like solar power will be a significant step forward,” the minister added.
Recommendations from the research will be submitted to relevant ministries and agencies. Several universities have already begun their assessments to ensure the government can implement these efficiency measures without delay.
The initiative comes as Jakarta intensifies efforts to protect the state budget from global energy market volatility and geopolitical disruptions that continue to drive up international crude prices.
Related news: Indonesia eyes WFH mandate to cut fuel use as oil prices surge
Related news: Indonesia plans energy-saving policies to ensure economic stability
Related news: Indonesia to keep subsidized fuel prices unchanged
Translator: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
Source link
