Jakarta Govt Reviews QRIS for Subsidized LPG Payments
Reported by Aldi Geri Lumban Tobing | Translated by Maria Inggita
The Jakarta Provincial Government plans to adopt the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) payment system for the purchase of subsidized 3-kilogram Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). This measure aims to ensure the LPG distribution is on target and prevent residents outside Jakarta to purchase it.
"QRIS actually just a means to simplify payments,"
Jakarta Manpower, Transmigration, and Energy (Nakertransgi) Agency Head, Hari Nugroho stated, the use of QRIS is expected to simplify the payment and increase price accountabilitiy at the LPG station level.
"QRIS actually just a means to simplify payments. Second, this also ensures its accountability - is the price at the station really that much? Transparently, it's indeed Rp16,000, not exceeding the HET," he conveyed, Monday (2/17)
Jakarta Intensifies Supervision on Distribution of 3-Kg LPG GasHowever, he admitted that the implementation of this mechanism requires prior socialization and collaboration with various parties, including partnering with Jakarta Industry, Trade, Cooperative, Small and Medium Enterprises (PPKUKM) Agency to monitor supervision and distribution. Considering not all citizens have access to digital banking services.
"The mechanism needs to be socialized first. Not everyone necessarily has m-banking or other digital payment methods. Typically, small shops like warungs usually use cash, not cashless payments," he said.
Moreover, the Jakarta Provincial Government will also synchronize data between its internal database and Pertamina's data to ensure that 3-kilogram LPG recipients meet the set criteria.
"Our database and Pertamina's must be collaborated. We don't want any discrepancies," he asserted.
He explained that the city government will refine this policy, including revising the Governor Regulation No.4/2015 regarding the Highest Retail Price (HET), distribution supervision, and payment mechanisms.
"We want to refine our policy immediately. First, by revising Governor Regulation No. 4/2015 regarding HET, followed by supervision mechanisms and easy payment systems," he mentioned.
With QRIS, he hopes the distribution of 3-kilogram LPG can be more targeted, especially for those who really need it.
"And to maintain LPG quota in Jakarta, ensuring it is not misused by unauthorized parties," he added.
He further explained that currently, 3-kilogram LPG transactions are running normally, despite assumptions of scarcity often causing panic among the public.
"Transactions are normal, so if scarcity rumors occur, it may lead to panic buying. But with the use of barcodes and QRIS, everything is clear. It's similar to using RFID systems for fuel purchases," he concluded.