Jakarta. Newly appointed Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has announced plans to accelerate the development of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industries across Indonesia, aiming to reduce the country's growing dependence on costly imports.

Bahlil said that his predecessor, Arifin Tasrif, had already initiated efforts to build the domestic LPG industry. With just two months remaining before the new administration takes over, Bahlil is dedicated to advancing these initiatives as directed by President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto.

"We are preparing locations for the construction of LPG industries. Our LPG imports have been increasing," Bahlil said following the handover ceremony at the ESDM Ministry office in Jakarta on Monday.

According to ESDM Ministry data, Indonesia's LPG imports have consistently risen, from 5.7 million tons in 2019 to 6.9 million tons in 2023.

To achieve this goal, Bahlil emphasized that the ESDM Ministry will collaborate with oil and gas regulator SKK Migas and state oil and gas company Pertamina. "Mr. Arifin has started this, and we will continue it," he added.

This announcement comes on the heels of a cabinet reshuffle by President Joko Widodo, in which four ministers were replaced. Bahlil Lahadalia was sworn in as the new Energy Minister, succeeding Arifin Tasrif. Arifin has declared himself as an independent with no political party affiliate but his past appointment was reportedly based on PDI-P's recommendation.

Meanwhile, Rosan Roeslani, who previously served as the head of Prabowo’s presidential campaign team, has been appointed as the Investment Minister taking over Bahlil's previous position.

Supratman Andi Agtas, an executive of Prabowo’s Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), was appointed as the new justice minister, replacing Yasonna Laoly from PDI-P. 

In addition, the president appointed Angga Raka Prabowo as the vice minister of communication and informatics.