President Prabowo Instructs Guarantee of Stability of 3 Kg LPG Distribution
By Willy Putra Perdana )*
President Prabowo Subianto showed his concern for the basic needs of the community by instructing that the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or 3 kg LPG remain stable and easily accessible to the common people. This step was taken after an evaluation of the previous distribution policy which caused long queues at a number of official distributors. With direct direction from President Prabowo, the government decided to return the sales assignment to retailers as sub-bases, in order to ensure more even distribution and not burden the community.
The community also welcomed this policy. Many residents who previously had difficulty obtaining 3 kg LPG now feel more relieved because subsidized gas is again available at retail stalls. A number of traders and housewives appreciate the President’s quick steps in overcoming the scarcity of LPG, because this greatly helps their daily lives. This decision is also an answer to complaints from the community who have difficulty obtaining 3 kg LPG due to changes in the distribution system.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, immediately responded to President Prabowo’s direction by reopening distribution channels to retail traders. Thus, people no longer have to queue at official depots and can obtain subsidized gas more easily at the nearest retail stalls.
In addition to increasing accessibility, this policy also aims to strengthen government supervision of the availability and price of 3 kg LPG. The Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso emphasized that supervision of the distribution of subsidized gas is now a joint task between the central government, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Trade, and local governments. With stronger synergy, the stock and price of 3 kg LPG are expected to be more secure and stable.
The decision to restore the role of retailers in the distribution of 3 kg LPG received a positive response from various parties, including stakeholders in the energy sector. The Secretary General of the Indonesian Mineral and Coal Energy Suppliers Association (Aspebindo), I Made Nugraha Jaya Wardana, assessed that improvements to the distribution system were indeed needed to be more efficient and transparent. However, he also reminded that each improvement step be carried out gradually so as not to disrupt public access to subsidized gas.
On the other hand, the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) also supports this policy. YLKI Chairman, Tulus Abadi, stated that the President’s instruction to return the sale of 3 kg LPG to retailers is a realistic decision and in accordance with conditions in the field. He said that the previous distribution channel cuts actually made it difficult for people to obtain subsidized gas. Therefore, this latest policy is expected to be able to balance efforts to reduce selling prices with ensuring the availability of goods on the market.
This step also has a positive impact on small business actors who have relied on 3 kg LPG as their main energy source. With more guaranteed availability and stable prices, small traders, food stalls, and other micro business sectors can operate without obstacles. The government is expected to continue to oversee the implementation of this policy so that it runs according to its original purpose, namely ensuring fairness in the distribution of subsidized energy.
In the midst of global challenges in the energy sector, Indonesia needs to have a distribution strategy that is more adaptive and responsive to the dynamics that occur in the field. A more flexible distribution model that involves various parties will create a healthier ecosystem, where the balance between availability, price, and ease of access is maintained. The government also needs to collaborate with the private sector to improve distribution infrastructure, to ensure that the supply of 3 kg LPG is always available, especially in remote and border areas.
In addition, stricter supervision of the distribution of 3 kg LPG continues to be a priority. Deviations in the distribution chain, such as hoarding and price manipulation by irresponsible individuals, must be dealt with firmly. With a technology-based monitoring mechanism and direct community involvement in price supervision, the potential for misuse can be minimized.
With this policy, it is hoped that the community will no longer experience difficulties in obtaining 3 kg LPG, which is a basic need for many households and small business actors or MSMEs. The government also continues to monitor distribution to prevent deviations, such as hoarding or price manipulation by irresponsible individuals.
