The National Energy Council
[DEN] did not recommend reduction of energy for the poor people, but they
recommended subsidized pricing. Soon the next Government must stipulate energy
price based on economic approach. Now SEN recommendation was already in the
form of National Energy Policy [KEN] and Government Regulation [PP] would be
released in not too distant future. The next Government must simultaneously
think of the right concept.” DEN member Rinaldy Dalimi told Business News
[22/8].
KEN which was to be signed by President SBY would be
specified in National Energy Plan [RUEN]. DEN would deep analyzing, controlling
application of the said policies. However, DEN admitted that facts afield was
not an easy problem. Energy resilience which was output of KEN very frequently
had to face pricing problem. “Price affordability by the public is no easy
problem. Energy resilience which was output of KEN very frequently had to face
pricing problem. “Price affordability by the public is no easy problem.”
In people’s life, energy was a vital need so KEN which
was projected till 2050 would trigger a trade off situation between energy
economy and price affordability. “This is a challenge to the new Government and
mission for DEN.”
DEN saw some big challenges in building energy
souverignity. To understand redefinition of energy that energy was lo longer
mere commodity of business and export but it was propeller of development as
consequences of a new paradigm. Energy value was no longer validated by
Rupiah-per-ton of coal or per barrel of oil but how high the value addition
brought to life. “That’s the future concept of energy”
Today the Government saw availability of energy as
something take for granted and nothing to be gratified about. At the same time
the Government stated that the need for economic growth was in parallel with
fund availability. Allocated fund from State Budget was guarantee for keeping
up with energy need.
On the other hand KEN stipulated building of nuclear
generator as last resort. Such was melting point of all opinion from within or
without. “Some circles said we needed nuclear, others said we didn’t. We
believed that as long as we had energy, nuclear is not the first choice”
Nuclear generator was not built overnight, but years. To
run feasibility study alone might drain billions of Rupiah. Ground survey had
been run in Kalimantan and Bangka. Survey expenses was more enjoyed by foreign
consultants especially from France and Japan. “As long as we have geo thermal
heat, coal, etc, who need nuclear? Gas and coal are better exported. Better
spend survey budget on research”
Meanwhile, member of Commission VII of House who managed
energy, Satya Wirayuda stated that stipulation of KEN was joint political
commitment between Government and House. The energy products related Laws were
among others nuclear energy, oil; and gas were already in effect. However,
execution of the laws were not integrated. Each law would accommodate a certain
sector. “In fact it is DEN which could make our policies well focused and
integrated. Formation of Den in accordance with the energy of Law,” Satya told
Business News [22/8].
The people were intoxicated by the perception that
Indonesia was producer of oil and therefore oil must be cheap. Misperceptions
made it hard to build national energy resilience and souvereignity. In RUEN
there are efforts to straighten out wrong perceptions subsidy is getting more
complicated and hold back the execution of scenario of energy resiliency”
The case of oil subsidy was a fundamental thing
especially when related to fiscal year 2015. The Financial Report presented by
President SBY before Independence day mentioned that subsidy as a whole totaled
Rp. 363 trillion. If subsidy policy was still linked with price, the fiscal room
narrowed down.
In every budget, the House changed subsidy platform for
subsidy policy. “Subsidized pricing is changed into targeted subsidies. Subsidy
is not lost but given directly to the people. Subsidy could be channeled to
beneficial sectors like health insurance for the poor.
Subsidy could be allocated for free education. To refer
to data of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the poor people numbered around 71
million people. “We allocate subsidized pricing amounting to Rp. 336 trillion to
them. Subsidy must not be enjoyed by the rich.” (SS)
Business News - August 27, 2014
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