A national water and energy saving initiative is launched by the president.

At the National Monument/Monas square on 9th August president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched a national water and energy saving movement (Gerakan Nasional Penghematan Energi dan Air), as scheduled power blackouts roll out across the country.

Yudhoyono said if the country cut energy costs by 20 to 30% the cost savings in the national budget would be between 45 and 75 trillion rupiah. antara

In government departments and offices Yudhoyono set a target of a 30% reduction in power usage, and it seems the State Secretariat building has already managed this, with a 32% fall in electricity and water usage recorded in July, at a saving of 100 million rupiah. waspada

Energy saver Yudhoyono.

Government ministers who attended the launch of the energy saving drive included Energy and Natural Resources Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, State Secretary Hatta Rajasa, Minister of Technology Kusmayanto Kadiman, and Transportation Minister Jusman Syafi’I Djamal.

Vice president Jusuf Kalla, who in late 2007 sheepishly admitted his private residence had 20 air-conditioners installed, all going at once, but promised to do something about it, did not attend it seems. detik