2.874 Subsidized Fuel Filters Were Misused, Pertamina Appreciated By The Babel Police

PANGKALPINANG - Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional South Sumatra (Sumbagsel) appreciates the Directorate of Polairud of the Bangka Bangka Belitung Islands Police which has secured two individuals who used thousands of liters of subsidized fuel oil (BBM).

"We express our highest appreciation to the Babel Police for revealing the misuse of subsidized fuel that is detrimental to the state," said South Sumatra Region Communication, Relations, and CSR Area Manager Tjahyo Nikho Indrawan as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, February 14.

Based on information from the Bangka Belitung Islands Police, the police secured 65 jerry cans of Pertalite type subsidized fuel as much as 1,274 liters and 85 jerry cans containing 1,600 liters of Pertalite type fuel.

"This act of abuse committed by irresponsible parties is very detrimental to the state and citizens who should be entitled to subsidized fuel products," added Tjahyo.

Pertamina continues to urge the public to register their vehicles to prevent data misuse by irresponsible parties and support targeted subsidies. The public can also come directly to registration locations that have been provided at Pertamina gas stations.

"The public is expected to buy fuel at Pertamina's official outlets (SPBU and Pertashop) which have guaranteed quality and safety, and not to re-filling and hoarding, because fuel is a dangerous material that can cause fires and casualties," he said.

He said sanctions and firm action against hoarders, industry, and individuals who misuse subsidized fuel have been regulated in Article 55 of Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation, which states that anyone who abuses the transportation and/or trading of fuel oil, fuel gas, and/or liquefied petroleum gas subsidized by the Government, will be sentenced to a maximum imprisonment of six years and a maximum fine of IDR 60 billion.

"If you find indications of public fraud, you can immediately report to law enforcement officials, or through the 135 Pertamina Call Center (PCC)," said Tjahyo Nikho Indrawan.