This PhD project will investigate how eliminating fossil fuel subsidies could benefit public health and the enhancement of health equity, focusing on Indonesia as a case study. Fossil fuel subsidies, which support the use of coal, oil and gas as dominant energy sources by making their price too low, are costly, reaching approximately 500 billion US dollars annually worldwide. In September 2024, the United Nations member states renewed their commitment to phasing out these subsidies which hinder progress towards a greener economy based predominantly on clean energy. However, removing fossil fuel subsidies raises fuel and energy prices, disproportionately affecting low-income populations and making it a politically challenging reform.
While cutting fossil fuel subsidies can increase the cost of living and exacerbate poverty, it also provides a unique opportunity to free public resources to reinvest into health and social protection programs, which can mitigate the negative impacts on poorer communities. In Indonesia, where large fossil fuel subsidy cuts were made in 2005, 2008, 2014/15 and 2022, part of the realised savings were redirected to expand social protection and health coverage for vulnerable groups. Yet, there is limited evidence on the health benefits or challenges for vulnerable populations resulting from those subsidy cuts. This project aims to fill this gap by evaluating Indonesia’s fossil fuel subsidy reforms and their multifaceted impacts on population health, with a special focus on poor and vulnerable groups.
The primary goal of the project is to assess the impact of fossil fuel subsidy reforms in Indonesia on health financing and health outcomes. By understanding the relationship between fossil fuel subsidy cuts and health outcomes —including the mechanisms at play, this research will provide critical insights into how eliminating fossil fuel subsidies can support public health and health equity goals. Specifically, the project will highlight effective ways to reinvest savings into health programs that reduce inequality and improve overall health, helping policymakers in Indonesia and other nations make more informed policy choices.
How to apply:
- Details on how to apply can be found here: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/school-public-health/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/liss-dtp-phd-studentship-to-assess-the-impact-of-fossil-fuel-subsidy-reforms-in-indonesia-on-health-financing-and-health-outcomes/
- Applicants should also complete the online LISS-DTP Diversity Monitoring Form
- The closing date for applications is: 16 March 2025
- Interviews will be held on last week of March 2025
- This project is offered as full-time only
- For any queries contact j.goncalves@imperial.ac.uk