BALIKPAPAN, getnews.co.id — President Prabowo Subianto has delivered his sternest warning yet to the powerful syndicates within Indonesia’s energy sector. Speaking at the inauguration of the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) on Monday, the President denounced persistent corruption and price manipulation within Pertamina and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
Describing these illicit activities as “fraud and theft,” Prabowo signaled a tectonic shift in how Indonesia manages its strategic energy assets. He specifically targeted the “intellectual greed” of those who manipulate import policies for personal gain at the expense of national sovereignty.
”Prabowo’s rhetoric marks a significant departure from the ‘business-as-usual’ diplomacy of previous administrations. By publicly shaming the so-called ‘educated elite’ who facilitate import markups, he is setting the stage for a massive structural purge. For global investors, this is a double-edged sword: a cleaner Pertamina promises more transparent partnerships, but the transition could trigger resistance from entrenched interests within the state-owned enterprise (SOE) bureaucracy.”
Strategic Impact: Pertamina’s Reform Outlook
| Key Pillar | Policy Direction |
|---|---|
| Import Dependency | Direct reduction through local refinery upgrades (RDMP). |
| Fiscal Integrity | Elimination of price markups and illegal brokerage fees. |
| Market Perception | High potential for increased FDI due to improved governance. |
President Prabowo’s bold move to address “dirty games” in the energy sector serves as a clear message to international observers: Indonesia is no longer willing to be a playground for “rent-seekers.” The success of RDMP Balikpapan will be the ultimate litmus test for his administration’s ability to convert aggressive rhetoric into a transparent, sovereign energy market.
