Indonesian workers union calls for energy reform amid fuel price hike

The Pertamina Balongan United Workers Union (SP-PBB) has responded to the recent adjustment in non-subsidized fuel prices, which took effect on June 10, 2026. As frontline managers of the RU VI Balongan Refinery, the union believes the price fluctuations necessitate a clear and proportional approach, viewing the moment as a critical alarm for comprehensive reform of national energy governance.

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In the energy sector, the government plays the role of strategic policy regulator, while business entities focus on equitable distribution throughout the country.

Wawan Darmawan, Chairman of SP-PBB, acknowledged public concerns about the impact of price adjustments on the cost of living. However, he stressed that the energy sector is a complex ecosystem where the government acts as a strategic policy regulator, while business entities focus on equitable distribution across the country.

In response to global dynamics, SP-PBB has formulated three strategic national agendas. The first focuses on strengthening worker capacity as the foundation for energy resilience, emphasizing competence, professionalism, and a safety culture. The second agenda involves providing objective public education about the realities of Indonesia's oil and gas industry, noting challenges such as declining domestic production, rising consumption, high import dependency, and regulatory complexities.

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Worker capacity is not just a production factor, but a strategic asset guarding energy supply.

The third agenda urges the government to issue a Migas Perpu (Presidential Regulation on Oil and Gas) as an out-of-the-box solution to cut bureaucracy, provide legal certainty, and attract large-scale investment. The union argues that outdated and overlapping regulations are no longer relevant, stating that a "business as usual" approach is insufficient for today's energy dynamics, which require total reform that is adaptive and responsive.

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Business as usual is no longer relevant to address today's energy dynamics. The oil and gas sector requires total reform that is adaptive and responsive.