Jakarta. State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina is set to implement the government's plan to restrict the purchase of subsidized fuel, specifically Pertalite, beginning August 17.

"Subsidized fuel is the government's authority. Pertamina is ready; the diesel (Biosolar) program is already operating at 100 percent with a QR code system, while the Pertalite process is still in progress," said Fadjar Djoko Santoso, Vice President of Corporate Communication at Pertamina, in a statement to Beritasatu.com on Tuesday.

Heppy Wulansari, Acting Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, affirmed the company's commitment to comply with government regulations. "We are also implementing targeted subsidy measures, such as tracking users of subsidized fuels (Biosolar and Pertalite) through QR codes and collecting data on 3 kg LPG canister users via ID card registration," Heppy added.

Heppy reported that QR code registration for Biosolar has reached 100 percent, with over 4.6 million vehicle registration numbers recorded. "Pertalite has also surpassed 4.6 million registrants, and we continue to encourage further sign-ups. For 3 kg LPG, data collection has reached 45.3 million ID cards," he stated.

Additionally, Heppy mentioned that Pertamina is coordinating with law enforcement to monitor the distribution of subsidized fuel and LPG in the field.

Earlier, Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan announced that the restrictions on subsidized fuel purchases would begin on August 17. "We hope to initiate this on August 17, limiting access for those not entitled to subsidies," Luhut said in an Instagram post on July 10.

He highlighted that the subsidy restrictions aim to address the projected budget deficit for the 2024 state budget, which is expected to exceed targets. "This situation arises as state revenue is projected to fall short, particularly due to declining income tax receipts from commodity-based companies affected by a sharp drop in commodity prices," Luhut said.