exellent crabgood crabdouble-skinned crabs

Indonesia Says No Energy Crisis as Philippines Declares One

Addin Anugrah Siwi
March 26, 2026 | 9:58 am
SHARE
Vehicles line up at a gas station in Labuhanbatu, North Sumatra, as motorists wait to refuel on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (Beritasatu.com/Husin)
Vehicles line up at a gas station in Labuhanbatu, North Sumatra, as motorists wait to refuel on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (Beritasatu.com/Husin)

Jakarta. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa says Indonesia is not facing an energy emergency, even as the Philippines declares a national energy crisis, while warning the government remains cautious about a prolonged Middle East conflict that could disrupt global oil supplies.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Purbaya stressed that Indonesia’s domestic energy supply remains secure, arguing that an energy emergency should be defined by supply disruptions rather than price spikes.

“An energy emergency is not about the state budget. It’s about supply. If supply stops, that’s what we should worry about. For now, supply is still available. So it’s not an emergency, but we must stay prepared going forward,” he said.

His remarks followed a decision by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to declare a national energy emergency on Tuesday. The move reflects the Philippines’ heavy reliance on imported oil, making it vulnerable to disruptions in global production and distribution as tensions rise over the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

ADVERTISEMENT

Global oil markets have turned volatile since the escalation of the conflict in late February, with prices fluctuating sharply and hovering near $100 per barrel. Brent crude has recently traded above that level, reflecting fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Indonesia’s 2026 state budget assumes an Indonesian crude price of $70 per barrel, well below current market levels. As of Thursday, Brent crude rose 1.3% to $103.6 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate gained 1.5% to $91.66, underscoring mounting pressure from global energy markets.

Purbaya said Indonesia’s 2026 state budget remains resilient enough to absorb current oil price pressures, signaling no immediate need to revise fiscal assumptions or adjust energy subsidy policies.

“Our state budget can still withstand [the Iran war impact]. I will not change the budget or subsidies until the price reaches sky-high,” Purbaya told reporters in Jakarta.

The minister added that the government assesses the impact of oil price movements based on annual averages rather than short-term volatility, suggesting recent fluctuations are still manageable.

“We calculate based on the yearly average. The budget assumptions are set for a full year, so one or two days of price increases won’t significantly affect the average,” he said.

Purbaya said the increase remains modest and within the government’s capacity to manage through existing fiscal buffers and policy tools.

“Currently, it’s only about a $4 increase. We can easily cover that from various sources and reserves we have. There’s no need to worry at this point,” he said.

He also dismissed concerns that rising oil prices would immediately trigger changes to Indonesia’s fuel subsidy scheme, noting there are no current plans to restrict or adjust subsidized fuel.

“As far as I know, there are no restrictions. There’s no need to disturb the subsidy budget yet. It’s too early,” Purbaya said.

Still, he acknowledged that a prolonged surge in oil prices could prompt a reassessment of fiscal impacts, though any policy response would be measured rather than reactive.

“If prices continue to rise significantly over time, then we will recalculate the impact. But it won’t automatically jump to $100. We always look at the average,” he said.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


Business Jun 19, 2026 | 1:58 pm

Indonesia Seeks Fast-Track Panda Bond Approval from China

Indonesia secured China's support for a planned Panda Bond issuance to diversify funding and expand its investor base.
Business Jun 18, 2026 | 10:59 pm

Beijing Backs Indonesia’s Yuan-Denominated Bond Issuance: Purbaya

Indonesia secured China’s support for its planned Panda Bond issuance, aimed at diversifying funding sources in yuan.
Business Jun 18, 2026 | 11:29 am

Purbaya Takes on $17 Billion in New AIIB Debt for Infrastructure Projects

Indonesia secures $17 billion in AIIB financing and welcomes plans for a Jakarta representative office.
Business Jun 17, 2026 | 3:04 pm

Purbaya Courts Chinese Investors Ahead of Panda Bond Issuance

Indonesia is turning to China’s bond market to diversify funding sources and deepen bilateral financial cooperation.
Business Jun 12, 2026 | 10:27 am

Purbaya Yet to Assess Subsidy Impact of Potential Shift to Pertalite

Purbaya says the government has not assessed the fiscal impact of a potential shift from Pertamax to subsidized Pertalite.
Business Jun 11, 2026 | 8:07 pm

Indonesia Targets Up to 6.5% Growth and 2.4% Budget Deficit in 2027

Indonesia has set a 2027 economic growth target of up to 6.5% while maintaining a budget deficit below the legal ceiling of 3% of GDP.
Business Jun 11, 2026 | 7:56 pm

Indonesia Aims for Rp 16,800-17,500 Rupiah in 2027 Budget

Indonesia targets inflation of 1.5%-3.5% and a rupiah range of Rp 16,800-17,500 per US dollar under its agreed 2027 state budget framework.
Business Jun 9, 2026 | 3:55 pm

Finance Minister Expects Rupiah to Recover to Rp 16,800–17,500 Range in 2027

Indonesia expects the rupiah to strengthen in 2027 as policymakers seek to preserve economic and financial-market stability.
Business Jun 9, 2026 | 3:03 pm

Purbaya Signals Further Budget Tightening in 2027 Amid Rising Spending Commitments

For 2027, the government has set a budget deficit target of between 1.8% and 2.4% of gross domestic product.
Business Jun 6, 2026 | 2:26 pm

Finance Minister Pushes Back Against ‘Sell Indonesia’ Narrative

Indonesia’s finance minister dismissed the “sell Indonesia” narrative, saying the country’s fiscal position and economy remain strong.

The Latest


News 8 hours ago

Dear Mr. President, Don’t Skip ASEAN Summits

Despite calls for Prabowo to stay home, the Indonesian leader still needs to attend ASEAN summits.
Business 9 hours ago

PLN Rushes Coal Supplies After Power Outages Hit Java

PLN is rushing to secure coal supplies after shortages triggered rolling blackouts across Java, disrupting businesses and daily life.
Business 13 hours ago

Japan-Backed ADB Invests in Indonesia’s Human Capital

As many as 399 Indonesian awardees have joined the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program from 1988 to 2024.
Business 13 hours ago

Indonesian Stocks Rise Despite Foreign Outflows as MSCI Review Looms

Indonesia's JCI rose 2.8% as easing geopolitical tensions offset foreign outflows, MSCI concerns and rupiah pressures.
News 14 hours ago

World Cup 2026: Paraguay Holds Off Turkey With 10 Men to Keep Knockout Hopes Alive

Matias Galarza scored after 65 seconds as 10-man Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0, eliminating the Turks and securing first place for the US.
COPYRIGHT © 2026 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED