Jambi-Pertamina Police EP Arrest 5 Illegal Perpetrators Taping, 2 Police Officers Involved

The truck car vehicle used by illegal tapping perpetrators in Jambi was secured by the police. (ANTARA/HO/Humas Pertamina EP Jambi)

Jambi Regional Police together with the Pertamina EP Jambi Field team arrested five perpetrators of criminal oil theft or illegal tapping on the retrunk pump line produced by Pondok Desk Village, Muaro Jambi Regency. Of the five perpetrators, two of them are police officers.

The Head of the Penmas Sub-Division for Public Relations of the Jambi Police, Kompol Amin Nasution, confirmed the arrest.

"Currently, the two police officers have been arrested by the Jambi Police Propam Bid for examination. If proven to have violated the code of ethics, discipline, or crime, strict action will be taken and processed according to applicable law," he said in Jambi, Antara, Thursday, September 25.

Pertamina EP Jambi said the incident took place early Wednesday when the security team thwarted an illegal tapping attempt on the trunk line from MGS KAS to MOS TPN Pertamina EP Field Jambi at KM 12 Pondok Desk Village, Mestong District.

This illegal activity is suspected of being the theft of crude oil.

According to information, Pertamina's security team began to suspect suspicious activities at around 22.30 WIB. During routine patrols, they saw two unknown people around the location.

A few moments later, a high-like truck was seen parked in the area. The team immediately carried out an ambush and secured five perpetrators along with evidence.

The evidence that was secured includes a 1-inch tube with a length of almost 50 meters, a set of faucets for illegal tapping points that are still attached to the jrunk line, three units of cars, one motorcycle, four cellphones, two savings books, one wallet, and two Polri membership cards.

Currently, all the perpetrators and evidence are secured at the Mestong Police for further legal proceedings.

The Head of SKK Migas South Sumatra Representative, Yunianto, appreciated the hard work of the Jambi Field Pertamina EP team and the police.

This illegal tapping is not only detrimental to the state, but also endangers the surrounding community. We are grateful for the role of colleagues in the field who swiftly thwarted this illegal activity," he said.

Meanwhile, Pertamina Hulu Rokan Regional-1 Security Manager, Noval Alwi, emphasized that his party will continue to maintain national oil and gas production.

Illegal tapping is a serious crime that is very detrimental to the state. We will work together with the apparatus so that every drop of oil for the country remains safe," he said.