Jakarta, TAMBANG, – The government plans to implement the distribution of subsidized 3 kilogram LPG based on the Population Identification Number (NIK). This plan is back in the spotlight. Director of the Center for Public Policy (PUSKEPI), Sofyano Zakaria, believes that this policy has not addressed fundamental issues in the governance of energy subsidies, especially regarding targeting accuracy.
According to Sofyano, the government claims the NIK-based system is a solution to improve subsidy distribution so that it is more controlled. However, behind this narrative, a crucial question arises, namely whether identity-based registration is really able to answer the problem of who has the right to receive 3 kg LPG?
“If we honestly look at practice in the field, most 3 kg LPG bases have actually implemented identity-based recording for a long time,” stressed Sofyano.
Residents who buy 3 kg LPG at the base are generally asked to submit a photocopy of their KTP. This data is then recorded and reported periodically to agents and Pertamina. With this mechanism, the distribution of subsidized LPG is not completely free without supervision.
This condition raises doubts about the urgency of the new NIK-based system. If the difference is only in the digitization of recording tools without changing the recipient criteria, Sofyano believes that this policy is more appropriately called administrative reform, not subsidy reform.
NIK is considered not representative of economic conditions
Sofyano explained that the main problem with the 3 kg LPG subsidy does not lie in the recording system, but in the definition of the beneficiary. In this context, the use of NIK is considered problematic because it does not reflect a person’s socio-economic condition. “NIK is a population identity, not an indicator of economic ability,” said Sofyano.
He reminded that someone with a NIK could be classified as poor, but could also come from a well-off group with high assets and income. NIK does not describe income levels, asset ownership, or household financial capabilities. Therefore, making NIK the main basis for distributing subsidies risks creating the illusion of targeting accuracy.
According to Sofyano, this policy seems to give the impression that as long as the data is recorded neatly and based on NIK, the subsidy is right on target. In fact, the substance of subsidies lies in favoring disadvantaged groups.
The definition of 3 Kg LPG recipient is still considered unclear
Sofyano also highlighted that there is no clear definition regarding who is entitled to receive subsidized 3 kg LPG. Are all KTP holders, all households, or only certain groups.
As long as these criteria are not clearly explained, a NIK-based system will only move problems from the field to the computer screen. The subsidy has the potential to continue to be enjoyed by groups who are not entitled to it, while small communities have to compete to get subsidized LPG.
He warned that without firm socio-economic indicators, this policy could actually give rise to new injustices. Poor people can be limited by quotas, while well-off groups can still access 3 kg LPG because they have a valid NIK.
900 VA Subsidized Electricity is Considered More Relevant
As an alternative, Sofyano believes that the government actually has an indicator that is more reasonable and easy to implement, namely household electrical power. Households with a maximum subsidized electrical power of 900 VA generally represent the lower middle economic group.
The use of subsidized electricity indicators has a number of advantages. Firstelectricity customer data is available and verified. Secondelectrical power reflects economic capabilities more than NIK. Thirdthis approach is relatively fairer because it targets households that already receive state subsidies in other sectors.
“The question is, why is this indicator not used?” continued Sofyano.
Agent Redemption Prices are in the Spotlight
Apart from the issue of distribution, Sofyano also highlighted the issue of the redemption price for 3 kg LPG from agents to Pertamina which has barely changed for dozens of years, at around IDR 11,585 per cylinder. In fact, the regional government sets the Highest Retail Price (HET) which on average has increased to around IDR 21,000 per tube.
He believes that this inequality makes the distribution chain unhealthy and actually increases the burden on society. According to him, adjusting agent redemption prices that are more proportional to regional HET can narrow the price game space while gradually reducing the subsidy burden.
“Correction of subsidies does not mean eliminating the role of the state, but making the scheme more rational and sustainable,” he said.
Social Risks and Challenges at the Grassroots
Sofyano also reminded the potential social risks of implementing a NIK-based system. Bases can be in a difficult position when they have to turn away citizens because their quota has run out, even though they are administratively registered. This condition has the potential to trigger conflict at the local level.
On the other hand, small communities who are less technologically literate are at risk of being further marginalized. Systems that claim to be modern can actually create new obstacles for groups that need them most.
Need Political Courage
At the end of his statement, Sofyano emphasized that the 3 kg LPG issue is not just about NIK or digitalization. What is needed is political courage to redefine subsidies honestly and fairly.
“Targeted subsidies are not a matter of how sophisticated the system is, but how brave the state is to recognize the reality on the ground and improve it,” he concluded.
Source: www.tambang.co.id
