Indonesian Govt to Launch Energy Saving Campaign

JAKARTA -- - The government is planning to launch energy saving campaign to promote the people's awareness of efficient use of energy in the country, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro said recently.

"The save the energy campaign will begin (in August) and be officially launched by the vice president," Purnomo said after a meeting with Vice President Hamzah Haz here.

The campaign is part of activities carried out to celebrate the country's 58th independence day.

At the launching of the campaign, a group of "save the energy" supporters and 58 students will have a "fun bike", the minister said calling on the public to use the so-called green energy which is environment-friendly.

The students will continue the biking to Surabaya, East Java.

"They will bring a moral message to the public to save the energy and use environment-friendly energy," Purnomo said.

Meanwhile, the Director General for Electricity and Mineral Resources, Luluk Sumiarso said the government did not set any target for the campaign. However, he expected the campaign will make the people aware of the need to save the energy.

Luluk called on the public to use energy-saving lamps which only need one-third of electrical power needed by conventional lamps.