Indonesia Considers Restricting Pertalite Fuel for the Well-off

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the government is reviewing a scheme to restrict Pertalite fuel subsidies. These restrictions are being considered due to ongoing leakages in the distribution of subsidized fuel.

Purbaya noted that discussions regarding the Pertalite restriction scheme are being conducted jointly with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. One option under review is limiting Pertalite subsidies for the upper socioeconomic groups, specifically deciles 9 and 10.

Indonesian Crude Oil Price Drops

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources set the average Indonesian Crude Price (ICP) for July 2026 at a level US$1.77 per barrel lower than the June 2026 figure of US$83.45 per barrel.

Laode Sulaeman, the Ministry's Director General of Oil and Gas, explained that the drop in ICP aligns with easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the recovery of global oil supply flows. He noted that this shift reflects crude oil price dynamics in the international market.

Bahlil: Subsidized Fuel Prices Will Not Rise

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that subsidized fuel prices would not increase. Bahlil made this statement in response to the continued volatility of global oil prices.

Bahlil stated that subsidized fuel prices would not track movements in the Indonesian Crude Price (ICP). According to him, changes in the ICP would only affect the prices of non-subsidized fuel. “Amidst the ongoing volatility in oil prices, we remain committed—based on the President’s directive—to ensuring that subsidized fuel prices will not rise,” said Bahlil following a meeting at the Ministry of Finance in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Sharia Financial Assets Projected to Grow 8–11 Percent

Nur Hidayah, an economist specializing in Sharia economics at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF), projects that Indonesia’s Sharia financial industry assets will grow by 8–11 percent in 2026. According to her, the outlook for the Sharia financial industry remains positive this year, even though its growth still faces several structural challenges.

“A figure of Rp 3,131 trillion with 8.56 percent growth is indeed a record. However, setting a record in an industry growing from a small base is not an extraordinary achievement,” Nur told Tempo on Monday, August 10, 2026.

MSME Credit Targeted to Reach Rp2,000 Trillion

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has set a target to increase credit for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to Rp2,000 trillion. This figure represents an increase from the current MSME credit level, which stands at approximately Rp1,500 trillion.

Airlangga stated that, ideally, MSME credit should account for 30 percent of total disbursed credit, which currently stands at around Rp9,000 trillion. “But if we aim for 30 percent—meaning Rp3,000 trillion—that represents a 100 percent jump from Rp1,500 trillion. So, what if we set the target at Rp2,000 trillion for Mr. Maman [Minister of MSMEs]?” he said during the MSME Finance Summit in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Purbaya Responds to Sole Candidate for Bank Indonesia Governor

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa supports Destry Damayanti as the sole candidate for the position of Bank Indonesia Governor. According to Purbaya, Destry possesses sufficient experience to hold the position. Purbaya noted that he had previously worked at the same institution as Destry.

He stated that his experience working and coordinating with Destry has always been positive. "Yes, it’s good. She has ample experience, and from my own experience, we worked quite closely. When I was the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), she served *ex officio* representing the central bank. So, I think it’s great; we are used to coordinating and working well together, so there won't be any issues," Purbaya said at the Ministry of Finance office in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

KAI Offers Discounts to Celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), or KAI, will offer a 17 percent discount on economy-class train tickets and a flat fare of Rp 8,000 for trips on the Jabodebek LRT and the Commuter Line (electric commuter trains). KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin stated that the promotion is being offered to mark the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.

"On Independence Day, KAI wants more members of the public to enjoy train travel and celebrate our togetherness as a nation," he said in a written statement on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Fit and Proper Test for BI Governor Candidate Scheduled After House Recess

Muhammad Hanif Dhakiri, Deputy Chair of Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR), stated that he would arrange the schedule for the fit and proper test for the Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor candidate, Destry Damayanti. He noted that the Finance Commission is preparing the schedule for the test to take place after the parliamentary recess ends.

"Once the submission is in, we can proceed immediately [with the fit and proper test]. I will coordinate with my fellow leaders regarding the timing," Hanif said, as quoted by Antara on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Read: How Does Purbaya Respond to Destry's BI Governor Nomination?

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