LPG Shortage Hits Indramayu, Lucky Hakim Calls for Police Intervention

The scarcity of 3-kilogram LPG, commonly known as ‘gas melon’, is causing growing concern in Indramayu Regency, West Java. The shortage is not only burdening residents but also threatening to disrupt agricultural activities, a primary sector in the region. Indramayu Regent Lucky Hakim stated he has received numerous reports from citizens struggling to obtain the subsidised gas, particularly in the Gantar District and several other areas. “Yes, I have received many complaints, especially in the Gantar District area. Several other districts are also complaining about the scarcity of the green LPG, the 3-kilo one,” he told reporters on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. According to Lucky, the local government has sought explanations from relevant parties, but the results have not been significant. Lucky suspects there are issues within the subsidised LPG distribution chain. Besides a significant price disparity, he also highlighted the possibility of subsidised gas being siphoned into non-subsidised canisters. He is therefore calling not only for supply verification against distribution data but also for direct field inspections alongside law enforcement officers. “Coordination with the police or other parties is needed so that problems like this do not occur,” he said. Lucky stressed that the issue cannot be taken lightly, as 3-kilogram LPG is also used by farmers to support agricultural activities, including operating water pumps in rice fields. If the situation persists, he fears it will impact the planting process and agricultural productivity in Indramayu, which is known as a national rice barn. “If planting fails, it becomes a problem. They also need water,” he remarked. Lucky urged stricter supervision of subsidised LPG distribution to ensure that the government-allocated supply is genuinely received by entitled citizens and does not leak to those who misuse it.