Riau Police Arrest Two Subsidized LPG Gas Oplosers In Pekanbaru
The Riau Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) revealed the practice of mixing subsidized LPG gas in Pekanbaru City.
Two people were arrested after police found hundreds of gas cylinders of various sizes along with the equipment used to move the contents of the tube.
The raids were carried out on Tuesday, September 30 afternoon in two different locations, namely Jalan Bangau 4 and Jalan Bangau 1, Stop Marpoyan Village, Marpoyan Damai District.
From that location, the Ditreskrimsus team confiscated a total of 603 gas cylinders measuring 3 kg, 5.5 kg, 12 kg to 50 kg, two cars, scales, tube seal, hose, bucket, and base name board.
Dirreskrimsus Polda Riau, Kombes Ade Kuncoro, explained the modus operandi of the perpetrators. The 3 kg subsidized gas cylinder is distilled into a larger non-subsidized tube and then sold at a higher price.
"From the results of the examination, the main suspect can reap a profit of around Rp. 70 million per month, while the worker earns around Rp. 9 12 million per month from the fixed wage," said Ade in his statement, Wednesday, October 1.
In practice, the 5.5 kg tube is filled with 1.5 3 kg subsidy tubes, 12 kg cylinders with 3 subsidized tubes, while the 50 kg tube is filled with 15 to 17 subsidized tubes. This scheme is run regularly so that it is able to generate large profits.
The police investigated this case after receiving reports from residents regarding suspicious activities in the Marpoyan Damai area. From the results of the investigation, it was discovered that Indrayono's house (53) was used as a gas transfer site. Apart from Indrayono, the police also arrested Deni Ahmad Faizal (37), the owner of two subsidized gas bases known as the main investors.
"Both of them we secure together with evidence and are immediately taken to the Riau Police Headquarters for further investigation. This action is clearly detrimental to the state, considering that 3 kg LPG gas is subsidized by the government for underprivileged communities," said Ade.
The two suspects were charged with Article 55 of Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas as amended by Article 40 number 9 of Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning Job Creation. The maximum penalty of six years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 60 billion awaits them.
Ade emphasized that his party would not provide space for the misuse of subsidized energy. He invited the public to play an active role in reporting if they found similar practices in their environment.
"Gas subsidy is the right of the small community. Anyone who tries to play with its distribution to seek personal gain will be dealt with according to the applicable law," he concluded.
(Photo: dock. Special)