Perpetrators Of Misappropriation Of Subsidized Solar Will Be Strictly Prosecuted

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The government will continue to strive to monitor and control the sale of subsidized diesel by taking firm steps against anyone who misuses the use of fuel oil.

"We will discipline them, especially trucks from mining companies. Through the Mineral and Coal Directorate, we will also urge them not to use subsidized fuel, if they don't pay attention, we will take firm action," said Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif in his statement, quoted from Antara, Friday, April 8.

The government has several firm actions to ensnare every perpetrator of misappropriation of subsidized diesel, ranging from the cessation of operations to criminal prosecution.

In an effort to ensure the availability of subsidized diesel and its distribution on target, PT Pertamina (Persero) will also distribute and require the purchase of subsidized diesel with a control card.

The card will be used to record purchases of subsidized diesel. The control card contains the vehicle registration number and the type of vehicle.

Officers will record the type of vehicle, license plate number, and the number of subsidized diesel purchases made by consumers at gas stations.

Another step taken is to regulate subsidized diesel service hours at gas stations and prohibit queues before service hours.

According to him, if there is a misuse of subsidized diesel fuel, strict action will be taken against the perpetrators of the abuse by the police or the Transportation Service and will impose sanctions on operators and distributors.

Another effort is monitoring fuel stocks through the command center, coordinating PT Pertamina (Persero) with law enforcement and local governments.

Pertamina has also formed a RaFi (Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr) task force and prepared various additional services in the form of standby gas stations, standby tank cars, motorists, pocket gas stations, and rest areas equipped with health facilities for travelers at several points of the homecoming route during Lebaran.

Minister Arifin ensured that subsidized fuel was sufficient during Ramadan and Eid and signaled an increase in quotas of up to 10 percent as a form of government anticipation of increased demand due to increased economic activity.

He emphasized increasing direct supervision to prevent scarcity, queues, and potential abuse.