NTT Emergency Subsidized Fuel, Tourism In Labuan Bajo Affected

Photo by Denissa Devy on Unsplash

Member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives, Darmadi Durianto, asked Pertamina to increase extra supervision regarding the subsidized fuel distribution system.

Darmadi emphasized this in response to allegations of problems in the distribution of subsidized fuel in the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) region which caused scarcity at a number of points in NTT. Such as in Timor Island, Belu, Kupang City, to the Labuan Bajo tourist area.

It is known that the scarcity of subsidized fuel has long occurred in NTT, but there has also been no improvement from the relevant authorities.

"We ask Pertamina to immediately go directly to the field to carry out credible identification and supervision. Do not let this scarcity have serious implications for the economic activities of the community below," said Darmadi Durianto, Tuesday, September 10.

Darmadi views that the scarcity of subsidized fuel in a number of areas in NTT could be due to the ineffectiveness of the monitoring system on the distribution process. According to him, this weak distribution process monitoring system can facilitate the practice of smuggling fuel into neighboring countries.

"Because the delinquency practices that have occurred, one of which is the smuggling of subsidized fuel to the country of Timor Leste. Indeed, NTT, especially Timor Island, is a border area. But that does not mean neglecting supervision so that there are many loopholes for violations committed," he said.

Darmadi explained that the scarcity of fuel had an impact and hit various sectors of people's lives. Small communities such as fishermen and farmers are affected by the scarcity of subsidized fuel and make their economy decrease.

Not to mention, said Darmadi, the tourism sector was also affected because the scarcity also occurred in the Labuan Bajo area.

"We see the impact for small people like fishermen, so they cannot go to sea every day. The agricultural production process is also the same, farmers find it difficult to get subsidized fuel for the operation of the customer. Even though they make buying subsidized fuel, the conditions are difficult," said Darmadi.

"Tourism is also affected, even though for transportation and necessities in Labuan Bajo, this fuel is very basic. In the end, it causes tourist dissatisfaction, and makes it difficult for tourism and creative sector players, including MSMEs," added the legislator from the DKI Jakarta III electoral district.

Darmadi assessed that this condition was very disturbing because people who should have received protection from the state had actually become victims of corrupt practices and injustice.

"This subsidized BBM is for the small people, but it is misused for the industrial sector. Moreover, until it is smuggled into other countries, it is outrageous. Our people's rights are hijacked by irresponsible elements," said Darmadi.

Commission VI of the DPR, which has a supervisory function over the industrial, trade, and BUMN sectors, also asks for a firm commitment from the Government to support the eradication of the subsidized fuel mafia. In particular, said Darmadi, the Ministry of SOEs, Pertamina and related stakeholders to tighten supervision in the distribution of subsidized fuel so that it is right on target.

"The fuel mafia that takes advantage of the gap in the subsidized fuel distribution system is a reflection of mismanagement of supervision at the regional to central levels," he explained.

"Imagine how much state loss is due to this problem? How many people's rights have been seized? There must be a strong commitment from the Government and Pertamina as well as law enforcement to resolve allegations of misuse of subsidized fuel," added Darmadi.