Govt to implement energy, water saving program

The government announced on Tuesday a plan for an energy and water saving program, including 10 percent cuts in subsidized fuel consumption, which will be applied across ministries and other state institutions.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Hatta Rajasa made the announcement after a coordinating meeting on energy and water savings in his office in Jakarta.

He said the program had set a target of lowering power consumption by between 25 and 27 percent across the institutions.

“Information regarding this national movement will be spread to each ministry, as well as to governors in regions so that they can follow suit in each of their own areas,” Hatta said, as quoted by Antara news agency.

He said the government would be able to save a minimum of Rp 2.5 trillion (US$292.5 million) through the targeted power saving alone.

“That does not include [the amount saved] from [reduced] fuel and water consumption.”

Hatta said the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry would lead the movement, and that each government institution's secretariat general would be tasked with monitoring the program's implementation.

He said the program would begin with “small action”, such as turning off lights in unused rooms and setting air conditioners to 25 degrees Celsius.