JAKARTA - Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian revealed that long queues and panic buying of fuel in two areas in West Kalimantan were triggered by a misinterpretation of a circular on restrictions on the purchase of fuel.
Tito said the incident occurred in Singkawang and Bengkayang. According to him, the local regional head initially issued a circular to reduce the queue for filling fuel, not because the stock was running low.
"The goal is to reduce the queue. What happened, translated, oh, this means that fuel will be less. So in the end it will be even longer," Tito told reporters at the Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, March 25.
He explained that the restrictions actually triggered panic in the community. Residents then flocked to buy fuel because they were afraid that supplies would decrease.
Tito admitted that he immediately contacted the regional head concerned so that the circular was revoked and an explanation was given to the public. The regional government was then asked to confirm the safety of fuel and gas stocks.
"Fuel stocks, gas, everything is safe, enough. Don't worry," he said.
After the circular was revoked and the explanation was given, the situation was said to be back to normal. Tito also ensured that the problem only occurred in the two areas.
"No, no," said Tito when asked if there were other areas that had experienced similar things.
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