President Prabowo’s Instruction Provides Certainty in the Distribution of 3-KG LPG Gas
By: Maskun Masnawi *)
The government, through the instruction of President Prabowo Subianto, has taken steps to ensure that the distribution of 3-kg LPG continues to run smoothly by allowing retailers to sell after previously being banned as of February 1, 2025. This policy aims to balance distribution supervision with accessibility for people who depend on subsidized LPG.
This decision was announced by the Daily Chair of the Gerindra Party, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, who stated that President Prabowo had instructed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to reactivate retailers who were previously not allowed to sell. Dasco explained that the government has taken steps to ensure that retailers can operate as usual. In addition, the President also asked the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to ensure that the price of 3-kg LPG gas remains stable so as not to burden the community.
Since the beginning, the policy of limiting the distribution of 3-kg LPG only through official Pertamina bases has been aimed at ensuring that subsidies are on target. However, the government also understands that this policy can have an impact on the lower classes, especially those who rely on retailers as their main source of subsidized LPG gas. Therefore, President Prabowo’s direct instruction to allow retailers to continue operating with sub-base status is a strategic step that balances aspects of control and accessibility.
With this policy, the distribution of 3 kg LPG can still be strictly controlled, but the public also does not experience difficulties in obtaining it. This step is very important in maintaining price and supply stability, so that no party is harmed. In addition, the sub-base mechanism allows retailers to continue operating in a more structured system without having to lose their livelihoods.
This decision also shows how the government listens to the aspirations of the people and does not hesitate to adjust policies to remain relevant to conditions on the ground. On various occasions, President Prabowo has emphasized that the welfare of the community is the main priority of his government. By ensuring that retailers can operate again in a more controlled system, the government shows its support for the lower classes without sacrificing the principle of targeted subsidies.
In addition, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia ensured that retailers who want to continue selling must register as sub-bases, the government created a more organized distribution system without causing new difficulties for small business actors. In fact, this sub-base status is given at no additional cost, so as not to burden retailers who have so far relied on subsidized LPG sales.
Not only that, local governments, such as the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, are also involved in ensuring that this policy runs well. Through market operations held to address the potential shortage of 3 kg LPG in several areas, local governments have shown their readiness to respond to community needs. Coordination between the central and regional governments in maintaining the stability of LPG supply is a concrete example of how an integrated government system can provide real solutions for the people.
In dealing with the polemics that had arisen regarding this policy, the Minister of ESDM Bahlil Lahadalia firmly explained that there was no shortage of 3 kg LPG. The supply provided in 2025 remains the same as the previous year. The main problem is not the availability of LPG, but rather the distribution mechanism that is being improved to be more efficient and prevent price deviations at the retailer level.
The government’s move to organize the distribution of 3 kg LPG is also in line with efforts to avoid unreasonable price increases at the retailer level. By ensuring that subsidized LPG is sold through official channels, the government is trying to protect the public from detrimental price manipulation. This is a real form of policy that supports the interests of the common people.
In addition, the decision to change the status of retailers to sub-bases also brings long-term benefits. With this system, the distribution of 3 kg LPG becomes more transparent and easy to monitor, so that the possibility of deviations in the distribution of subsidies can be minimized. This is a proactive step that shows that the government is not only responding to existing problems, but also anticipating potential problems in the future.
The direct instruction from President Prabowo Subianto to reactivate 3 kg LPG retailers is a decision that reflects responsive leadership that sides with the community.
