Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia has apologized following the death of an elderly woman who collapsed after waiting in line to purchase a 3kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder.
During a visit to several official LPG distribution centers in Palmerah, West Jakarta, on Tuesday (February 4, 2025), Bahlil addressed the growing concerns over new restrictions on subsidized 3kg LPG. One of them is the case of an elderly woman, a resident of Pamulang Barat, South Tangerang, who reportedly died of exhaustion after queuing for 3kg LPG gas on Monday (February 3).
“As a representative of the government, I sincerely apologize for this incident,” Bahlil stated during the visit, as reported by Liputan6. “The purpose of these regulations is to improve the distribution system. We will make the necessary improvements.”
Bahlil clarified that the restrictions were intended to ensure that subsidized LPG reaches those who truly need it. “This is part of a broader effort to organize distribution. We want our people to have easier and fairer access to LPG,” he said.
Death Incident
Previously on Monday (February 3), an elderly woman reportedly died after waiting in line for 3kg LPG gas. The deceased, identified as 68-year-old Yonih binti Saman, was a resident of Kampung Ciledug, South Tangerang. She reportedly lost consciousness and died when returning home after queuing for the gas.
Local reports indicate that she may have succumbed to exhaustion. The tragedy has intensified criticism of the government’s new policies which cause shortage leading to difficult access and long queues to get acquire the gas.
President Prabowo Intervenes
The controversy surrounding the 3kg LPG restrictions has prompted President Prabowo Subianto to step in. According to Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, executive chairman of the Gerindra Party, the ban on small retailers selling 3kg LPG cylinders was not Prabowo’s policy but rather a decision made by Minister Bahlil.
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President Prabowo Orders Resumption of 3kg LPG Sales by Retailers
“This restriction was not issued by the President,” Dasco stated at the Indonesian Parliament complex on Tuesday (February 4), as reported by Liputan6. “However, seeing the public concern and the difficulties caused, President Prabowo has intervened and instructed that small retailers be allowed to resume selling LPG.”
Following Prabowo’s directive, the Energy Ministry is expected to review the policy to prevent further disruptions and ensure continued access to subsidized 3kg LPG for those in need.
(Raidi/Agung)
