Batang Regency Government Implements Subsidized Elpiji Purchase Using NIK

LPG base in wargaasem District, Batang Regency. (ANTARA/Kutnadi)

PEKALONGAN - The Batang Regency Government, Central Java, has implemented a subsidized LPG purchase rule using a population identification number (NIK) for data collection materials that will be included in the Ministry of Social's database (database). Head of the Office of Industry, Trade, and Cooperatives of Batang Subiyanto Regency said, according to the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Number 37.K/MG.01/MEM.M/2023, to obtain subsidized LPG must use an identity card (KTP). "However, we have not implemented the rules by using an ID card because data collection is still being carried out. The purpose of using this ID card is so that the purchase of subsidized LPG can be right on target," he said in Pekalongan, as reported by Antara, Friday, August 4. The central government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has issued a decision that the distribution or purchase of gas containing 3 kilograms must use an identity card. This policy, he said, might be implemented in early 2024 so that the district government is still in the first stage of collecting data. "Therefore, consumers who will buy subsidized LPG are only asked for a population identification number (NIK). This is for data collection to be included in the Ministry of Social data base," he said. According to him, through this data, his party will sort out residents who are entitled to buy LPG containing 3 kilograms such as poor households, fishermen or farmers who receive subsidies, as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

"We hope that the distribution of 3 kilograms of subsidized LPG is more targeted. So when enforced, it will be checked whether they are included in the list of subsidies recipients from the government or not," he said.