Record 49 Cases Of Fuel Misappropriation With Total Volume Reaching 257,455 Liters, Pertamina Boss: Entering Criminal Action, There Will Be Strict Sanctions

Pertamina's Managing Director, Nicke Widyawati. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Pertamina (Persero) together with law enforcement officers have taken action against 49 cases of misuse of subsidized fuel throughout Indonesia. That number occurred throughout 2022.

Pertamina President Director Nicke Widyawati said the action taken with the National Police was an important pillar in the effort to distribute subsidized fuel that was right on target to the public. Moreover, this subsidized fuel comes from the state budget.

"It should be noted that the budget for subsidies and energy compensation in 2022 will reach more than Rp. 500 trillion. This means that there is state money and the rights of the people who are entitled to enjoy fuel at affordable prices for the subsidized fuel that we distribute," Nicke said in an official statement, Monday. August 22.

Nicke added, based on BPH Migas data, until May 2022 alone, at least the volume of misuse of subsidized fuel has reached 257,455 liters. Of the total volume that was allegedly misappropriated, as many as 231,455 liters were proven to be a volume that met the criminal element.

For this reason, Nicke appreciates the steps taken by the Police to continue to monitor and take action against misuse of subsidized fuel distribution in the community.

"Pertamina is grateful and appreciative of the responsive and precise performance of the Police in ensuring that the distribution of subsidized fuel is right on target to people in need. This is a form of Pertamina and Polri's commitment to support and protect the rights of vulnerable people who should be able to enjoy subsidized fuel," said Nicke. .

Nicke said that of the many cases of misuse of subsidized fuel, the most common modes of fraud were hoarding and smuggling subsidized fuel, buying subsidized fuel in jerry cans without a permit for resale, and selling subsidized fuel to industry players.

For this reason, Nicke emphasized that Pertamina will continue to coordinate and synergize with various parties in an effort to stop the misuse of the distribution of subsidized fuel.

“This supervision cannot be carried out alone by Pertamina. In addition to regulations, joint supervision is a way that needs to be done to anticipate the re-occurrence of misuse so that subsidized fuel is distributed on target," said Nicke.

Nicke also emphasized that Pertamina itself would not tolerate any gas station personnel who took action against the law, smuggling subsidized fuel. Strict sanctions are ready to be given, such as cessation of fuel supply to closing of gas stations if there are gas stations that are proven guilty.

"Every misuse of subsidized fuel is a criminal act against the law and the perpetrators will face law enforcement officers," said Nicke.

Previously, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo in the 2022 Coordination Meeting for Sectoral Operations said that the National Police together with other stakeholders would conduct surveillance and take legal action if any irregularities were found.

"Efforts need to be made to monitor and take legal action if there are irregularities in distribution," said Listyo.