By: Andika Pratama )*
As Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 approach, the issue of energy supply security has once again become a major public concern. The significant increase in mobility during the long holiday period requires the government to ensure the availability of fuel oil (BBM) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remains under control. Amid public concerns about a potential surge in consumption, the government has emphasized that all national energy reserves are secure and under control. This affirmation is not merely a promise, but is supported by a series of technical measures, strengthened coordination, and the preparedness of all stakeholders in the energy sector.
The commitment to maintaining a stable energy supply is a critical priority, considering that the Christmas and New Year holidays are always accompanied by increased public activity, from intercity travel and increased household consumption to high energy use in the transportation and logistics sectors. In this context, the government has confirmed that it has prepared various scenarios to anticipate the surge in consumption, from increasing stocks at fuel terminals, strengthening supply through national refineries, to accelerating distribution in potentially densely populated areas.
The Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Yuliot Tanjung, stated that the government is conducting intensive monitoring of all national fuel and LPG reserves. This routine monitoring is considered a strategic step to maintain the quality and quantity of energy distributed to the public. Equitable energy distribution during the year-end holidays is part of the state’s obligation to provide a sense of security and comfort to all citizens. Pertamina Patra Niaga’s preparedness is also considered good, having strengthened supplies in various regions, including those prone to distribution problems. Efforts to increase stocks and anticipate extreme weather are crucial foundations for maintaining the reliability of national energy services.
Government preparedness extends beyond the regulatory level to technical strengthening of energy distribution management. The Head of the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency, Wahyudi Anas, explained that comprehensive fuel distribution planning has been prepared, particularly at points predicted to experience increased consumption. This distribution strengthening includes evaluating supply channels, increasing logistics capacity, and routinely monitoring stocks at gas stations and storage depots. This entire process is expected to ensure smooth energy distribution throughout the Christmas and New Year period, especially in areas that are hubs of public mobility, such as tourist areas and main transportation routes.
Upstream, refinery production readiness is also a crucial component in ensuring national energy availability. Acting Corporate Secretary of Pertamina International Refinery, Milla Suciyani, emphasized that the Energy Distribution Monitoring and Control Task Force has been carrying out its duties since the end of November 2025. This task force is responsible for ensuring refineries continue to operate optimally even during the long Christmas and New Year holidays. Continuing refinery operations is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted energy distribution and ensuring the public continues to receive the supply they need. The Key Performance Indicators (KPI) not only focus on achieving production targets but also on maintaining the quality and timeliness of distribution throughout Indonesia, including regions with challenging geographical characteristics.
Inter-agency preparedness for the long year-end holidays demonstrates the government’s strong and adaptive coordination system. Strengthening stocks, improving distribution services, and preparing for extreme weather conditions are integral parts of national energy management. All of these steps are taken with a preventative approach to minimize potential disruptions, whether caused by natural conditions or surges in community activity.
In a broader context, successfully maintaining energy reliability ahead of Christmas and New Year (Nataru) has a significant impact on national economic stability. A smooth supply of fuel and LPG allows the transportation, trade, and public mobility sectors to continue operating without interruption. Furthermore, guaranteed energy supply is also an important indicator for the business world, particularly the logistics and tourism sectors, which typically experience increased momentum at the end of the year.
Public opinion, which has long been concerned about energy readiness, has received certainty through concrete government steps. Various stakeholders have demonstrated full dedication to ensuring that all community needs are met in a timely and high-quality manner. This commitment demonstrates the state’s effective presence in guaranteeing basic human rights.ar the public to adequate energy access.
Thus, ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the public can welcome the joyous occasion with a sense of security and comfort. The government ensures that all energy reserves, from fuel to LPG, are stable thanks to comprehensive preparedness from upstream to downstream. Cross-sector coordination and the alertness of officers in the field demonstrate that the state is present to anticipate all the dynamics of energy needs at the end of the year. This reliability also strengthens optimism that public services, particularly in the energy sector, continue to develop towards greater professionalism.
)* The author is a social observer
