Surprise Inspection: Central Java Governor Urges Public to Use LPG Wisely
The government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable solution.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi, along with PT Pertamina Patra Niaga’s Central Java Regional office, directly inspected to ensure the readiness and smooth distribution of subsidised LPG in the Karanganyar area, specifically at SPPBE Wijaya Sarana Gasindo, Karanganyar, on Wednesday (8/4).
Luthfi stated that his side would ensure the distribution of subsidised LPG reaches the right targets, so the public does not need to panic. “We also ask all regional heads, together with the TPID, to actively conduct field supervision, including regulating the use of 3kg LPG in the business sector so that subsidies are truly enjoyed by those who deserve them,” said Luthfi, in an official statement on Wednesday (8/4).
Luthfi also emphasised that the public does not need to worry or be influenced by issues from other regions regarding LPG availability. “The public does not need to worry; it is ensured there is no hoarding, distribution is running well and monitored,” said Luthfi.
Luthfi highlighted the importance of using subsidised LPG on target. All regional heads, together with the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID), are asked to conduct supervision and inspections in the field. For business sectors such as hotels, restaurants, catering (horeca), and laundries, enforcement will be carried out if they are still using 3kg LPG, and they will be encouraged to switch to non-subsidised LPG.
“We ask for support from law enforcement agencies to firmly address illegal practices that harm the public. Coordination with the Central Java Police is continuously strengthened to uncover potential hoarding or mixing of LPG in Central Java,” he explained.
SAFE LPG STOCKS
Executive General Manager of the Central Java Region, Fanda Chrismianto, reported that LPG stocks in Central Java are in a safe condition with a stock endurance of 14,752 MT (Metric Tons). Specifically for the Karanganyar area, the daily allocation of 3kg LPG is recorded at 143.8 MT, distributed through official agents and bases to meet public needs.
“We ensure that LPG distribution runs optimally with safe stocks, including in Karanganyar. Pertamina is also continuously increasing field supervision and urging the public to buy from official bases so that prices are in line with the HET and distribution remains maintained,” explained Fanda.
Fanda assured that LPG distribution runs optimally with layered supervision and intensive coordination with local government and related authorities. Pertamina also continues to educate the public to make purchases at official bases to obtain prices according to regulations and ensure availability remains maintained.
“We urge the wise and appropriate use of energy according to needs, and not to hoard. With reasonable and targeted consumption, energy resilience in Central Java can continue to be maintained and enjoyed evenly by all levels of society,” concluded Fanda.