Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, has assured that the government will strictly monitor the distribution of 3-kilogram LPG cylinders at the central and retail levels.
"The government will strictly monitor the 3-kilogram LPG cylinders distribution so that the community can still buy them at an appropriate price and the supply is sufficient," he said in a press release issued on Tuesday.
He explained that monitoring must be carried out so that the supply of the cylinders is not held back, thereby ensuring there is no shortage. In addition to strict monitoring, he assured that the government will continue to disseminate information on the prohibition of hoarding LPG cylinders and selling them at a higher price.
He said that the government will take legal action against attempts to hoard 3kg LPG cylinders.
"We will not tolerate any hoarding practices that can harm the community. The government, together with law enforcement officers, will take firm action against parties who try to take advantage of this situation for their personal gain," he stressed.
The minister said that the monitoring would be hard if it solely involves officers. He then called for the community's participation to monitor and report any indications of hoarding practices.
The monitoring is expected to make the distribution of the LPG cylinders, which are subsidized by the government, more accurate and benefit eligible beneficiaries.
"The government will continue to coordinate with related parties to ensure that this policy is running according to the objectives that have been set," he added.
The 3-kg LPG cylinders were readily available through retailers. However, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources modified the distribution system to ensure the LPG subsidy reaches the intended beneficiaries more effectively.
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However, many people have reportedly struggled to obtain subsidized LPG following the changes in the distribution system introduced by the ministry. Consumers have had to queue at designated distributors in several regions to purchase LPG.
One customer is reported to have died of fatigue while queuing for LPG.
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In response, President Prabowo Subianto instructed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia to allow retailers to resume sales of subsidized 3-kg LPG cylinders starting Tuesday.
This would allow consumers to easily obtain the cylinders from retailers located close to residential areas.
As a solution, the government has changed the LPG distribution system at the retailer level by amending their status to sub-base agents, who are easier to monitor.
