PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government is preparing operational efficiency measures to ensure optimal public services following the increase in the price of non-subsidized fuel oil (BBM), including Pertamax, to IDR 16,250 per liter (10/6/2026).

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan said the fuel price increase was influenced by global dynamics affecting energy supply and demand, as well as fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rate against the rupiah.

"This is a supply and demand issue. Demand never decreases, while supply fluctuates. Furthermore, the dollar's value also fluctuates. Rising fuel prices mean supply is low and the dollar is high. What can we do? We have to face it together," said Farhan.

The Bandung City Government does not have the authority to control fuel prices, so it focuses on saving measures to reduce the impact on the regional budget.

Farhan invited the public and civil servants to adopt more efficient energy consumption patterns.

"My suggestion is that we work together to improve operational efficiency. I'm thinking about encouraging Bandung City Government employees to avoid using private vehicles to get to work. If they do use private vehicles, we could implement carpooling or ride-sharing," he said.

This step is expected to reduce operational costs and be an example of more efficient energy use.

"We don't have control over prices. But we can prevent wasteful consumption. That's something we can control together," he said.

Farhan revealed that the increase in fuel prices has the potential to increase the operational costs of public services, especially waste transportation, which requires large amounts of fuel every day.

"The most worrying thing for the Bandung City Government right now is the fuel costs for waste transportation. Operational vehicles use fuel that costs up to Rp 24,000 per liter. This is certainly a challenge for us," he said.

To maintain regional budget stability, the Bandung City Government will make adjustments to a number of operational expenses that are deemed non-urgent.

Food and beverage expenditure items and business travel are among the components planned to be reduced.

"Some operational expenses will be reduced, such as food and beverages and business travel. The reduction could be quite significant because we have to adjust to the current situation," he said.

This efficiency policy was implemented so that the budget could remain focused on services that directly benefit the community.

"We must adapt to the current situation. The important thing is that public services continue to run smoothly, while operational expenses can be better controlled," he concluded.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)