Bareskrim Unloads Subsidized Fuel Misappropriation Syndicate In Kolaka Involving PT Pertamina Patra Niaga

Director of Certain Crimes of Bareskrim Polri Brigadier General Nunung Syaifuddin (DOK Rizky AP/VOI)

The Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police has uncovered a case of subsidized fuel misappropriation (BBM) involving PT Pertamina Patra Niaga employees who occurred in the Kolaka area, Southeast Sulawesi.

The Director of Certain Crimes at Bareskrim Polri Brigadier General Nunung Syaifuddin said that unscrupulous PT Pertamina Patra Niaga employees played a role in helping the provision of subsidized fuel.

"OppN or Pertamina Patra Niaga employees who are suspected of providing assistance to penetrate PT Pertamina for diesel fuel," Nunung told reporters, Monday, March 3.

Along with PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, there were three suspected perpetrators who helped the fuel misappropriation action. They are BK which allegedly manages a hoarding warehouse without permission; A is the owner of a gas station-Nelayan in Poleang Tenggara District, Bombana Regency; and T is responsible for providing a fleet of transport trucks.

However, the four of them are still witnesses. Development is still being carried out to determine the suspect in the case.

The act of misappropriating fuel by alleged mode of moving subsidized diesel fuel from transport tank trucks that should distribute to gas stations and gas stations-Nelayan gas stations.

However, it was taken to a hoarding warehouse without permission. Then, transferred to an industrial tank to be sold at a non-subsidized price.

"We also found that there was GPS port on the transport truck, so that the presence of trucks transporting subsidized fuel could be manipulated," he said.

"The total amount of confiscated subsidized fuel reached 10,957 liters, which is the result of previous abuse," continued Nunung.

Nunung emphasized that this illegal activity has the potential to cause large state losses, with an estimated loss of more than IDR

105 billion. In fact, the action has been carried out for the last two years in the Kolaka area.

"We are committed to developing this investigation and uncovering other parties involved in controlling subsidized fuel," he said.

In this case, the alleged perpetrators are threatened with Article 40 of Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning Stipulation of Government Regulations in Lieu of Law Number 2 of 2022 concerning Job Creation.

If proven or fulfilled the elements, they can be subject to imprisonment of up to six years and a maximum fine of IDR 60 billion.