Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Edi Suranta Sitepu, and Head of Public Relations at the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Bhudi Hermanto, provide a press statement regarding the misuse of subsidized 3-kilogram LPG cylinders, which were transferred to non-subsidized 12-kilogram and 50-kilogram cylinders.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA — The Polda Metro Jaya’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) has uncovered the misuse of subsidized 3-kilogram LPG, transferring it to non-subsidized 12-kilogram and 50-kilogram cylinders. The 3-kilogram LPG is a subsidized commodity intended for those in need.

The Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Edi Suranta Sitepu explained in an official statement, that his team uncovered this illegal practice in two locations: East Jakarta and Depok City. Both locations were used as warehouses for transferring subsidized LPG to non-subsidized cylinders.

“The transfer is done manually using a syringe. This method is very dangerous because it does not meet safety standards and carries the risk of leaks, fires, and even explosions,” said Kombes Pol Edi on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

According to him, the illegal practice has been going on for approximately 18 months. The perpetrators purchase 3-kilogram LPG cylinders for Rp18.000 to Rp20.000 per cylinder. The contents of these cylinders are then transferred to larger cylinders to be sold as non-subsidized LPG. This action automatically deprives eligible residents of their subsidies and has the potential to cause state financial losses.

The Head of Public Relations for the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Bhudi Hermanto added, that this misuse of subsidized LPG not only deprives residents of their rights but also has the potential to cause serious hazards such as fires and explosions, threatening public safety.

“This illegal act clearly harms and endangers the public,” said Kombes Pol Bhudi.

In this case, three individuals, identified as PBS, SH, and JH, have been named suspects and detained. Police also confiscated several pieces of evidence, including LPG cylinders of various sizes, dozens of syringes, and two vehicles used for operations.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Ivan, Sales Manager for Greater Jakarta Retail at Pertamina Patra Niaga, also emphasized that manually transferring LPG is extremely dangerous and violates safety procedures.

“LPG filling should be carried out at authorized facilities with strict safety standards. Manual transfer risks causing serious accidents that could harm the wider community,” he said. (Bembo)