Pontianak has prohibited civil servants (ASN), the middle class and certain businesses from using subsidized 3 kilograms of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. The restriction will help preserve supplies for eligible households and microenterprises. It will reduce queues and improve subsidy targeting. The law can impose penalties for violations. Residents have the opportunity to file complaints about suspected violations.

PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—The Pontianak city administration has officially banned the use of subsidized 3-kilogram liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for civil servants (ASN), middle-income residents and some business sectors.

Pontianak Mayor’s Circular No. 25/2026 prohibits the use of subsidized 3-kg LPG by ineligible consumers. Deputy Pontianak Mayor Bahasan announced the restrictions during a policy briefing at Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Hall in the Pontianak Mayor’s Office on Thursday, July 16. Furthermore, Bahasan made the announcement.

“The Pontianak city administration actually wants the distribution of 3-kilogram LPG to really reach those entitled to receive it,” Bahasan said.

The restriction applies to state civil servants (ASN), state officials, middle-income residents, and businesses that fall outside the subsidy’s intended target groups. This restriction is according to the Pontianak official government announcement.

Businesses such as laundries, restaurants, hotels, batik businesses, livestock, agriculture, tobacco farms, and welding services would have to switch to non-subsidised LPG.

Businesses with net assets of more than Rp50 million, excluding land and buildings, or annual turnover of more than Rp300 million are also ineligible for subsidized cylinders.

Bahasan said the policy aimed to enhance energy-subsidy targeting and ensure the availability of LPG for low-income residents. The policy aims to improve energy-subsidy targeting and ensure that LPG remains available for low-income residents.

“This circular represents the government’s effort to ensure fairness, prevent long queues, and help eligible residents obtain 3-kilogram LPG supplies without difficulty,” he said.

The national regulations define the users of subsidized LPG as households, microenterprises, targeted small-scale fishers, and eligible farmers. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry also has instructed regional governments to monitor distribution.

Specific businesses banned from using subsidized LPG include hotels, restaurants, laundries, batik producers, livestock businesses, some agricultural operations, tobacco farms, and welding services. This information is according to an official statement from the oil and gas directorate general.

As of March 31, 2024, government data showed that approximately 40.64 million national identification numbers had registered to purchase 3-kg LPG through the distribution system. Ministry data showed that 86 percent of registered users were households.

Pontianak has over 400 authorized LPG distribution bases. Bahasan told distributors to check buyers through the digital system designated for this purpose. Officials from the districts and urban villages will oversee implementation.

Violators may be subject to sanctions under applicable laws and regulations. Residents can report suspected misuse via LAPOR!, Pertamina’s 135 contact center, or the Directorate General of Oil and Gas at 136. The city has pledged to keep complainants’ identities secret.

“We are taking this action to enforce the rules and protect lower-income residents who are genuinely entitled to subsidized 3-kilogram LPG,” Bahasan said.