7 People Transporting and Selling Subsidized Fuel to Illegal Gold Mines in Jambi Arrested

Jambi - The Jambi Police have arrested seven perpetrators of a suspected case of oil and gas (oil and gas) crimes in the form of misuse of subsidized fuel (BBM) transportation of subsidized solar fuel sold to unlicensed gold miners (Peti).

Head of Public Relations of the Jambi Police, Kombes Pol Erlan Munaji, said that this disclosure began with information received by officers regarding illegal fuel transportation activities in the area.

Following up on the report, the Jambi Police Sub-Directorate IV Tipidter Ditreskrimsus team moved to the location to conduct an investigation.

On Thursday, February 5, four units of vehicles suspected of illegally transporting subsidized gasoline were secured. From the initial examination and interrogation of the drivers and kernets, it was found that the fuel was transported from Tapan, South Coast Regency, West Sumatra Province, with the goal of Perentak Village, Pangkalan Jambu District, Merangin Regency.

The subsidized solar is suspected to be resold to support unlicensed gold mining activities (PETI).

During the operation, officers secured seven people suspected of being involved, each with the initials AS (25), A (18), RW (25), SS (29), SA (30), MFS (25), and SA (25) most of whom are residents of Sungai Penuh City, while the other one is from Tabir District, Merangin Regency.

The evidence seized included four units of Mitsubishi Colt L300 and Daihatsu Grand Max cars, hundreds of 35-liter jerry cans containing subsidized fuel, two 1,000-liter tedmons, and three 220-liter drums containing subsidized fuel.

The suspected perpetrators and all the evidence have been secured at the Jambi Police Headquarters for further investigation.

Erlan said that this disclosure was a form of commitment by the Jambi Police in taking firm action against the misuse of subsidized fuel.

"BBM subsidies are intended for eligible people, not to be misused, let alone to support illegal activities such as gold mining without permits. We will take firm action against any perpetrators of misuse of subsidized fuel distribution in the Jambi Police jurisdiction," he said in Jambi Monday, quoted by Antara.

He also added that this practice not only harms the state's finances, but also has an impact on the scarcity of fuel in the community.

"We appeal to the public not to be involved in illegal fuel distribution networks. If you know of similar activities, immediately report to the police so that it can be followed up immediately," said KErlan.

For their actions, the perpetrators are suspected of violating provisions on the misuse of subsidized fuel transportation and/or trade as regulated in laws and regulations in the field of oil and gas. The threat of punishment is in the form of imprisonment for a maximum of six years and/or a fine of up to Rp. 500 million.

The Jambi Police emphasized that they would continue to take action against the practice of misuse of subsidized fuel because it was detrimental to the state and the community. Further developments in this case will be conveyed in the next release.