Ombudsman Ready To Investigate LPG Gas Scarcity 'Melon' 3 Kg

Illustration - Workers unload 3 kg subsidized LPG gas in Jakarta. BETWEEN PHOTOs/Erlangga Bregas Prakoso/nym/am.

JAKARTA - The Ombudsman is ready to investigate policies to limit the sale of 3 kilograms of LPG gas or melon gas. Ombudsman member Yeka Hendra Fatika said this step would be taken if for some time in the future the community still had difficulty getting their needs.

"The Ombudsman wants not to investigate, be patient. We will pay attention to one, two, three, four days. If there is a potential for maladministration, it will definitely be investigated," Yeka told reporters at his office, Monday, February 3.

The Ombudsman hopes that this scarcity can be resolved soon. Do not let efforts to limit it make it difficult for people to get 3 kilograms of LPG gas or melon gas.

"I hope Pak Bahlil through his staff will facilitate the availability of this LPG," he said.

"If there is a policy but it causes the item to disappear, of course this is something wrong," Yeka continued.

Previously reported, the government officially banned the sale of 3 kilograms of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) at retailers as of February 1. Only the official base or distributor of PT Pertamina (Persero) is allowed.

Meanwhile, retailers who want to keep selling 3 kilograms of LPG must convert from retailer to Pertamina's official base or distributor. They have one month to make changes.

As a result of this policy, many people were later affected. For example, Kustiah, who sells rice in the Tangerang area, finally doesn't trade even though she is willing to queue to get 3 kg LPG.

"I don't eat, I don't drink. I've been queuing since morning. Please, bro," said Kustiah while queuing at the Gas Agent on Jalan Palem Raya, Cibodas, Cibodas, Tangerang City.