The 3 Kg Elpiji Gas Subbase Policy Should Be Socialized First

JAKARTA - The government has finally allowed retailers to sell 3 kilograms (LPG) of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) through the sub-basement scheme. The policy was appreciated by retailers in Tarakan City, North Kalimantan (Kaltara). However, they asked for socialization so that the public would understand.

Sunarti, a grocery trader in the Karanganyar area, West Tarakan, said the price of LPG some time ago touched the figure of IDR 50,000 per tube due to its limited supply.

"Since Tuesday (February 4, 2025) Alhamdulillah, the distribution has been smooth, normal and normal. Last week, there were those who sold up to Rp. 50,000, many people wanted to buy because they really needed to cook and sell," said Sunarti when met by the media crew, Thursday evening, February 6, 2025.

When the supply returned to normal from the base to the sub base, continued Sunarti, the price of melon gas began to fall. Currently, Sunarti admits that it sells around Rp. 22 thousand in price. For now, Sunarti gets a shipment of melon gas from the base once a week, to be precise on Tuesday. Each shipment consists of 40 melon gas cylinders.

"My hope is that with yesterday's incident, the distribution of gas in Tarakan will run smoothly and the price can be cheaper so that we can also sell again at affordable prices for residents," he said.

In line with Sunarti, Amin, who is also the owner of a shop and sub-base for melon gas in Karanganyar, West Tarakan, appreciated the policy of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia regarding the newly signed melon gas.

Amin said that he supports the Central Government's policy regarding the regulation of subsidized gas sales. However, during this transition period, it must be handled wisely, so that the implementation goes well.

"This policy is actually good for the community, but please don't let there be another scarcity that becomes expensive. Now the distribution of gas is normal, including our selling price has also returned to normal Rp23 thousand per tube," said Amin.

Regarding the new rules as a sub base, Amin requested that the policy be socialized first so that people understand and do not panic, such as buying 3 kg LPG at the base using an initially difficult NIK, after socialization, it becomes easy with the ultimate goal of the subsidy on target.

Meanwhile, one of the most important rules for sub bases is the obligation to use the Pertamina application called the Pertamina Pangkalan MerchantApps (MAP). This application serves to record all sales transactions, including the buyer's identity (KTP), the number of tubes purchased, and the selling price.

The registration process as sub-basement is also simplified. The government and Pertamina will help retailers who have not been registered, even free of charge. To date, around 370 thousand retailers have been registered.

The process of recording more controlled transactions is expected to prevent misuse of subsidies and ensure that 3 kg LPG reaches the right people.