Rahel Narda Chaterine, Ardito Ramadhan, Bogor – TNI (Indonesian Military) Commander General Agus Subiyanto has revealed that village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa) will be mobilised to oversee the sale of three kilogram liquid petroleum gas (LPG) canisters to retailers.
The TNI commander conveyed this during briefing ceremony for commanders of TNI units that was attended by President Prabowo Subianto at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java on Friday February 7.
"In energy security efforts specifically, the TNI will help collect data, assist in market operations, ensure the sale of 3kg LPG gas to retailers", Subiyanto said on Friday.
Subiyanto said that the ranks of Babinsa will at the same time be mobilised to provide socialisation and reduce turmoil and panic in the community. "And conduct a massive socialisation among the community through the Babinsa to reduce the community's turmoil and panic", he said.
Not only that, the TNI commander also conveyed the TNI's commitment of loyalty to implement the national priority program.
In addition to LPG distribution, the TNI will also oversee the implementation of the free nutritious food (MBG) program and encourage the realisation of food security by utilising existing idle land in areas throughout Indonesia.
"The TNI also oversees the implementation of free nutritious food program and is actively involved in controlling forest areas through the Garuda Task Force", Subiyanto said.
As has been reported, on February 1 the government banned "melon gas" (referring to the colour and shape of 3kg gas canisters) retailers and small shops from selling LPG to the public. With this policy, the public could no longer by 3kg LPG canisters that were usually bought from local retailers.
The impact of the policy was that residents had difficulty buying 3kg LPG canisters and there were long queues at official distribution outlets in several locations.
However, the government finally decided to improve the rules on 3kg LPG canister sales. President Prabowo issued instructions so that the community could easily access 3kg LPG.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) also raised the status of 3kg LPG canister retailers to official sub-distribution points in order to oversee the distribution of 3kg LPG.
Notes
Babinsa or Bintara Pembina Desa are non-commissioned military officers posted in villages and wards and affiliated with the civilian administration. These officers provide a community level presence for TNI's territorial command structure which mandates the deployment of military command posts and detachments at all levels of the civil administration. This structure provides the organisational framework for the TNI to act as a political security force at all levels of society.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Babinsa TNI Dikerahkan Kawal Distribusi Elpiji 3 Kg hingga ke Pengecer".]
