Member of Parliament backs Pertamina synergy with Merah Putih village cooperatives

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives Rivqy Abdul Halim has expressed support for the synergy between PT Pertamina (Persero) and Merah Putih village/sub-district cooperatives in distributing energy products and their derivatives at the village level.

“We fully support Pertamina’s synergy with Merah Putih village cooperatives as the primary agents for product distribution. This is a moment to strengthen the village economy whilst shortening the distribution chain,” said Rivqy in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday.

He conveyed his support on the grounds that the policy has the potential to strengthen the people’s economy and broaden access to energy distribution.

Moreover, he said, Merah Putih village/sub-district cooperatives hold a strategic position as they are community-based, understand the needs of local residents, and possess strong social networks.

Nevertheless, he cautioned the government and Pertamina not to disregard the official agents who have been operating and contributing significantly to maintaining the stability of the national energy supply.

“We must not discriminate against existing Pertamina agents. They have invested, built networks, and served communities all the way to remote areas. New policies must strengthen, not destroy, what already exists,” he warned.

In addition, he urged that market balance be maintained under the new policy.

“Market balance is absolutely essential. The state must be present to strengthen all parties. Village cooperatives grow, existing agents remain protected, and the public receives the best service,” he said.

Previously, on 11 February 2026, President Director of Pertamina’s Downstream Subholding Mars Ega Legowo Putra stated during a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives that 2,592 Merah Putih village/sub-district cooperatives had registered as distributors of 3-kilogramme LPG as of 1 February 2026.