Police Investigate Alleged Abuse Of Subsidized Fuel In NTT

Head of NTT Polda Humas AKBP Ariasandy/Photo: Antara

KUPANG - The investigation team of the Sub-Directorate IV of the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Police investigated the alleged crime of abusing nine drums of subsidized fuel oil (BBM) in the North Central Timor Regency (TTU) bordering Timor Leste.

Head of Public Relations of the NTT Police, AKBP Ariasandy in Kupang, Friday, April 29, said that the disclosure of the alleged misuse of subsidized fuel occurred on Wednesday, April 27, when it was transported using a pick-up car.

"The modus operandi is that subsidized kerosene is transported using a pick-up car from the shelter of the suspect's relative Atae Taolin's house to a mining or industrial location owned by PT Karya Mandiri, which is located at Naiola Village, South Bikomi Sub-district, TTU Regency", said Ariasandy.

The disclosure of the case began when members of the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of the NTT Police patrolled the area. While on patrol, officers suspected a black car from Kefamenanu Sub-district towards South Bikomi District, South Central Timor Regency (TTS).

During the inspection, officers found subsidized kerosene in nine drums. The police then asked for a letter regarding the existence of the subsidized fuel, but the driver who brought the vehicle admitted that he did not have a complete document.

"Because the driver was unable to show valid documents related to the transportation and trade of the subsidized fuel, the driver with the initials FB was brought to the NTT Police for further processing", he explained.

From a total of nine drums containing subsidized fuel, the police noted that there were 1,800 liters of kerosene-type fuel which was suspected to be smuggled.

Ariasandy said the alleged articles were by the provisions that were violated, namely Law (UU) Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation, Amendment to Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas Article 55, Article 56 Paragraph (1), and Paragraph (2). The evidence that was secured at the TTU Police was a transport vehicle, kerosene fuel, and a driver.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation of the NTT Police, Commissioner Noviana Tursanurohmad, added that the case is still being processed further and the progress will be submitted to the media.

"What is clear is that we will continue to process this case further to reveal whether there are other parties involved", said Noviana.