Jakarta, Aug. 12 -- Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the policy to restrict purchases of subsidized fuel, particularly Pertalite, is aimed at ensuring that fuel subsidies reach their intended beneficiaries.

He said the policy specifically responds to input from the House of Representatives, which has highlighted continued leakage in the distribution of subsidized fuel.

"Let me clarify that prices are not going up. However, when I was at the House of Representatives, I was instructed to ensure that subsidies are better targeted," Purbaya told reporters at the Ministry of Finance office in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to Purbaya, the policy will be implemented gradually, with the government monitoring its impact on the econo...