Efforts To Steal Fuel In The Waters Of Loa Buah Samarinda Failed, 1 Perpetrator Arrested, 3 Others Hunted By Police

Samarinda Police during a press conference revealed a case of attempted theft of fuel in Samarinda, on Sunday (1/6/2025). ANTARA/Ahmad Rifandi.

Samarinda City Police (Polresta) managed to thwart an attempt to steal fuel oil (BBM) in the waters of Loa Buah, after a video of the perpetrators' actions spread widely on social media.

Head of the Public Relations Section of the Samarinda Police, Ipda Novi Hari Setiawan, said that one of the perpetrators with the initials AD (37) was arrested at a hotel in the Idi Segkotek area, Samarinda, on Saturday, maritime.

"We immediately followed up on the video and carried out an intensive investigation. We managed to secure AD without a fight in front of a grocery store," Novi said at a press conference at the Samarinda Police Sat Polairud Office, Antara, Sunday, June 1.

This case emerged after a video showed several men on board a wooden boat with long hoses, allegedly trying to drain fuel from other ships in the waters of Loa Buah. The video then went viral and sparked the attention of law enforcement officials.

During the initial inspection, AD, who works as a fish seller on a daily basis, admitted to acting as a motorboat driver. He said two of his colleagues boarded the target ship and tried to open the fuel tank. However, their action failed because they were caught by the crew (ABK) on guard.

"Once caught, the perpetrators immediately fled. They did not have time to take fuel because they were chased by the crew," said Novi.

To the police, AD admitted that he was desperate to try to steal because of economic pressure. The plan is that the stolen fuel will be resold to meet daily needs.

Although they did not have time to take away fuel, the police confirmed that the act was still categorized as a criminal act of attempted theft with weight.

"Even though there has been no material loss, the criminal element is still fulfilled. The perpetrators are charged with Article 363 of the Criminal Code with a penalty of up to seven years in prison," said Novi.

Currently, the police are still hunting for three other perpetrators who have been identified. In addition, evidence in the form of jerry cans that are suspected of being used to accommodate fuel is also being tracked.

“Kami terus mendalami kemungkinan adanya jaringan penadah BBM curian. Masyarakat kami imbau untuk melapor jika menemukan aktivitas mencurigakan di wilayah perairan,” pungkas Novi.

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"We continue to explore the possibility of a network of stolen fuel collectors. We urge the public to report if they find suspicious activity in the waters," concluded Novi.