Indonesia seeks to revive electric stove program to curb LPG imports

Indonesia is seeking to revive its electric stove conversion program as part of broader efforts to reduce dependence on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and strengthen national energy security.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia told lawmakers on Monday that the government is proposing budget support for the program, which aims to encourage households to shift from LPG to electricity for cooking.

Speaking during a parliamentary hearing, Bahlil said the initiative forms part of Indonesia's wider energy diversification strategy, which also includes the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and other alternative energy sources.

"The energy transition being promoted is not only about LPG, but also electric stoves, compressed natural gas, and other alternatives," Bahlil said.

Indonesia currently imports around 80% of its LPG requirements, making the fuel a significant burden on the country's energy import bill and subsidy spending.

The proposed revival of the electric stove program comes as the government seeks to reduce reliance on imported fuels while increasing domestic energy utilization. The initiative was previously introduced as part of efforts to shift household energy consumption toward electricity generated from domestic resources.

The government has been pursuing a range of measures to improve energy security, including expanding the use of natural gas, renewable energy and electrification programs across multiple sectors.

Further details regarding the proposed budget allocation and implementation timeline for the electric stove conversion program have yet to be announced.

Editing by Alexander Ginting