Report

A Citizens' Guide to Energy Subsidies in Indonesia - Update

By Lucky Lontoh, Damon Vis-Dunbar, Fabby Tumiwa, Kerryn Lang, Damon Vis-Dunbar on October 24, 2012

Indonesia's fuel subsidies were put in place to make energy more affordable, particularly for poor people.

However, overwhelming evidence suggests that most of the subsidies—IDR164.7 trillion (US$18.1 billion) in 2011—go to the well-off. In addition, the subsidies interfere with energy supplies and economic development by reducing investment in energy infrastructure (both current and emerging technologies), wasting government resources and undermining Indonesia's international competitiveness.

This guide, updated in 2012, provides an accessible introduction to the best available information on the costs and benefits of energy subsidies in Indonesia. The first part provides an overview of how various types of energy are subsidized in Indonesia. The second part looks at the implications of these subsidies on various aspects of sustainable development. The third part discusses the process of reforming energy subsidies, drawing on Indonesia's earlier efforts, and lessons learned from other countries.

Report details

Topic
Subsidies
Region
Indonesia
Focus area
Climate
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2012