TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government in a press statement assured that the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (ESDM) will maintain public buying power amidst rising commodity prices caused by global geopolitical conflict. One of which, they claim, is in the country’s electricity tariff they claim is more affordable than other ASEAN countries.

“We can assure that Indonesia’s electricity tariff is cheaper compared to other countries in ASEAN,” said ESDM communication bureau head Agung Pribadi on April 5.

The data from state electricity firm PLN in March 2022 suggests Indonesia’s electricity is cheaper than Southeast Asian countries, with non-subsidized average household tariff is Rp1,445 per kWh which compared to Thailand’s Rp1,597 per kWh is indeed lower.

“Singapore is at Rp2,863 per kWh and the Philippines is Rp2,421/kWh,” said Agung.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s medium business class tariff is set at Rp1,445 per kWh which is lower than Philippines Rp 1,636/kWh, Malaysia Rp 1,735/kWh, Vietnam Rp 1,943/kWh, and Singapore Rp 2,110/kWh.

He pointed out that the major business class electricity tariff is the lowest compared to ASEAN countries at Rp1,115/kWh, just below Malaysia’s Rp1,227/kWh and far below Singapore’s Rp2,063/kWh.

Agung said that this tariff is intentionally set as a government stimulus to attract investors that would in turn help improve Indonesia’s business climate amidst the pandemic.

Read: Electricity Tariffs Won't Be Affected by Changes in PLN Coal Procurement: Govt

MUTIA YUANTISYA