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| Police Bust LPG Adulteration Operation in Purwakarta, Three Suspects Arrested. |
Purwakarta, July 28, 2025 – Authorities in Purwakarta, West Java, have successfully uncovered an illegal operation involving the adulteration of subsidized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Three individuals have been arrested along with hundreds of LPG cylinders and modified tools used in the illegal activity.
According to Purwakarta Police Chief, AKBP I Dewa Putu Gede Anom Danujaya, three male suspects identified by their initials HS (41), UG (44), and ID (44) were apprehended during the raid. Each suspect had a specific role in the operation:
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HS (41) acted as the buyer, recipient, and distributor of the adulterated LPG.
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UG (44) was responsible for transporting subsidized LPG and assisting in the refilling process.
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ID (44) served as the main operator who transferred gas from subsidized to non-subsidized cylinders.
The case began when local residents reported that 3-kg LPG cylinders were running out much faster than usual. Responding to these concerns, police launched an investigation and discovered a refilling facility in Gang Sawo, Purwamekar Subdistrict, Purwakarta.
The suspects were caught red-handed transferring LPG from 3-kg subsidized cylinders to 12-kg non-subsidized ones using modified metal pipe injection tools.
Police confiscated a large number of items from the site, including:
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60 empty 3-kg LPG cylinders (subsidized)
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73 filled 3-kg LPG cylinders (subsidized)
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18 filled 12-kg blue LPG cylinders (non-subsidized)
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12 filled 12-kg pink Bright Gas cylinders (non-subsidized)
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3 empty 5.5-kg Bright Gas cylinders
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30 modified pipe injectors
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30 yellow cylinder capseals
According to the investigation, the subsidized LPG was purchased from an authorized distributor located in Karawang Regency. Afterward, the gas was illegally transferred to larger non-subsidized cylinders and sold to consumers for higher profits.
Police revealed that this illegal operation had been going on for approximately five months, with an estimated total profit of around Rp69 million.
This kind of practice is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Unauthorized gas transfers can cause explosions or fires, especially when done without proper safety protocols.
The suspects now face prosecution under:
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Article 55 of Law No. 22 of 2001 on Oil and Gas, as amended by Law No. 6 of 2023 on Job Creation
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Article 62 (1) in conjunction with Article 8 (1)(a) of Law No. 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection
If convicted, they face up to 6 years in prison or a maximum fine of Rp60 billion.
Purwakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief, AKP Dr. Uyun Saepul Uyun, added that the case began on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at around 5:30 PM, after authorities received a tip-off from residents. Officers quickly responded, conducted surveillance, and raided the location.
The public is urged to stay alert and avoid purchasing LPG from unverified sources. Anyone who suspects illegal gas refilling activity is encouraged to report it to local authorities.
This case serves as a stark reminder that tampering with subsidized LPG is a serious criminal offense. Not only does it hurt the economy and consumers, but it also poses a major public safety risk. Law enforcement continues to monitor such activities closely to ensure safety and fairness in the distribution of subsidized goods.
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