REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The government on Sunday launched the 10-percent Energy Saving National Movement in an effort to change the wasteful behavior of the people in consuming energy.

"Many people still wastefully consume energy. Let us make ourselves accustomed to consuming energy efficiently at home, in offices and in any other places," Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said told the press here on Sunday.

The launch of the energy saving movement was marked with a fun walk participated in by Jakarta residents and government officials, including state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina's President Director Dwi Soetjipto and former energy minister Subroto.

The fun walk started from the office building of the ministry of energy and mineral resources to Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle in Jalan Thamrin.

Sudirman stated that the people should change their wasteful behavior in consuming energy so that energy consumption in the county could be saved.

He said that energy can be saved through three steps, namely by turning off electricity if not used, using energy saving electronic appliances and making energy saving a life-style.

"One of the way how to save on energy is setting the air-conditioners at 25 degrees only when they are used," the minister said.

He said that the energy saving campaign was started from Jakarta and would be gradually expanded to 20 big cities in Indonesia.

It will also be carried out through various print and electronic media, airlines, trains, banners and brochures.

"The campaign will not stop until the end of this year. It will continue until the people understand and become efficient in consuming energy," the minister added.

He said that the increasing energy consumption and the shrinking of fossil fuel reserves required the people to become aware of the importance of carrying out energy saving consumption.

Saving energy by 10 percent in the coming three years would be equal to saving the cost for the construction one new steam power plant, he said.

"Ahead, energy conservation should serve as the fifth source of energy after oil, gas, coal and renewable energy," Sudirman stressed.

The 10 percent energy saving movement is a joint action that should involve the government, business players, societal organizations and individuals.

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