Coordinating Minister Luhut Signals Pertalite And 3 Kg LPG To Increase, PKS: Terrorizing The Community!

Illustration - subsidized three kilograms of LPG (ANTARA/HO/Pertamina)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VII DPR RI from the PKS faction, Mulyanto, expressed his disapproval of the signal for the increase in the price of Pertalite fuel and 3 kilograms of LPG gas that was conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

Mulyanto views Luhut's statement as causing unrest and terrorizing the public. Moreover, the signal for an increase in the price of energy sources has never been discussed in the DPR.

“His statement made people nervous and terrorized with a series of threats to increase the prices of energy sources for their daily needs. Especially if the 3 kg LPG gas and Pertalite are also increased, which is the livelihood of many people," said Mulyanto in his statement, Sunday, April 3.

Mulyanto also believes that Luhut has no right to announce plans to increase the price of Pertalite and LPG gas. Because, this should be stated by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources or the Minister of Finance, in accordance with the capacity and portfolio of the ministry.

"President Jokowi should remind Pak Luhut about this. In order not to sell out too many threats of rising prices for basic necessities that will make people restless. Because the community is still struggling with the existing burdens,” said Mulyanto.

Previously, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan revealed that the government planned to increase the price of Pertalite gasoline and 3 Kilogram (kg) LPG gas. Luhut said the government would also carry out careful calculations and conduct socialization regarding the planned increase.

"Over all, what will happen is Pertamax, Pertalite, Premium not yet, the 3 kg gas (there is an increase) in stages. So April 1, later in July, later in September the government will do it gradually (increase)," Luhut said in his statement to media, Friday April 1st.

Luhut said the price adjustment policy was part of the government's efficiency due to the impact of rising prices for a number of commodities and the impact of the geopolitical conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

The plan, he continued, he had put forward in a limited meeting with President Joko Widodo. Luhut also ensured that subsidies for the community will also continue to be applied.