Solving the Subsidised Gas Issue, Labourer from Bantul Faces Fine of Rp 60 Billion

Police have arrested a man caught mixing 3kg LPG cylinders, known as gas melons, into 12kg non-subsidised cylinders in Jetis, Bantul. In a single day, the perpetrator could sell two 12kg LPG cylinders and reap 100% profit.

The Head of Criminal Investigation at Bantul Police Resort, AKP Achmad Mirza, stated that the police initially received information from the public regarding the practice of mixing LPG cylinders in Semberagung, Jetis, Bantul, on Tuesday afternoon (10/2/2026). Subsequently, the police visited the location of the practice.

“After arriving, the police found several LPG cylinders, both 3kg and 12kg, along with buckets and regulators. The police also secured the perpetrator who was carrying out the gas mixing practice,” he told reporters at the Bantul Police Resort on Wednesday (8/4/2026).

The perpetrator is NF (35), a resident of Kapanewon Bantul, Bantul Regency. From his confession, NF has been engaging in the gas mixing practice since January 2026.

“From his confession, the perpetrator has carried out the action ten times. His method involves mixing four 3kg LPG cylinders by turning them upside down and then filling them into a pink 12kg LPG cylinder or non-subsidised LPG,” he said.

According to Mirza, NF carried out the mixing action because he was tempted by the profits. Considering that NF obtained one melon gas cylinder for around Rp 20,000.

“Then, the 12kg LPG cylinder from the mixture was sold by the perpetrator for Rp 180,000 per cylinder. In a day, the perpetrator could sell two 12kg LPG cylinders,” he said.

Regarding whether NF is an LPG seller, Mirza stated that NF only buys LPG from shop to shop. He then mixes it and sells it again according to orders.

“The mixed 12kg LPG is sold by the perpetrator delivering it by motorbike. As for his daily work, the perpetrator is a casual daily labourer,” he said.

For his actions, NF is charged with the criminal offence of gas mixing under Article 55 of Law No. 2 of 2001 on Oil and Earth Gas as amended by Article 40 paragraph 9 of Law No. 6 of 2023 on the stipulation of Government Regulation in lieu of Law No. 2 of 2022 on Job Creation.

“The maximum penalty is six years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp 60 billion,” he said.