inp.polri.go.id - Sidoarjo. The Indonesian National Police (INP) Criminal Investigation Agency has uncovered alleged misuse of subsidized LPG in Kendal Pecabean Village, Candi District, Sidoarjo Regency, East Java. During the investigation, police confiscated 1,820 LPG cylinders of various sizes and named two individuals as suspects.
Acting Head of Subdirectorate I of the Directorate of Certain Crimes at INP Criminal Investigation Agency, Senior Commissioner Aman Guntoro, stated that the thousands of confiscated cylinders consisted of 1,187 3-kilogram LPG cylinders, 583 12-kilogram cylinders, and 50 50-kilogram cylinders. The cylinders were found both full and empty.
"Officers have confiscated 1,820 LPG cylinders of various sizes," said Aman in Sidoarjo, Thursday (10/22/2026).
During the investigation, police initially detained seven individuals for questioning. After further investigation, investigators named two individuals, identified as EPPS and SO, as suspects.
Based on preliminary investigation results, the practice of transferring LPG contents from subsidized to non-subsidized cylinders allegedly took place from June to October 2026. This activity is estimated to have an average production capacity of 2,400 12-kilogram cylinders and 40 50-kilogram cylinders per month.
The LPG, suspected to have originated from this illegal practice, was then marketed to several regions in East Java and beyond Java, including East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
Investigators estimate the potential state loss to be IDR 2.149 billion, assuming the illegal activity lasted for four full months. However, the amount of the loss is still being investigated and has not yet been finalized.
In addition to the 1,820 LPG cylinders, police also confiscated four four-wheeled vehicles, 53 regulator hoses, two digital scales, and a carton containing LPG cylinder seals of various sizes, suspected of being connected to this activity.
The Director of Specific Crimes at the Criminal Investigation Agency of the INP, Brigadier General Mohammad Irhamni emphasized that this disclosure is part of the police's efforts to eradicate the misuse of subsidized LPG, which should be allocated to entitled communities.
(ad/ad/pr/rs)
