Pertamina's Corruption Scandal Makes Indonesia's Transition To Clean Energy Complicated

Photos Of Luthfiah VOI's Work

The AGO has named nine suspects in connection with allegations of corruption in the management of crude oil and refinery products at PT Pertamina (Persero), Sub Holding and Cooperation Contract Contractors (KKKS) in 2018-2023. As a result of several unlawful acts, it has resulted in state losses of around Rp193.7 trillion in 2023.

In detail, the Loss of Domestic Crude Oil Exports is around Rp35 trillion. Crude Oil Import Loss through DMUT/Broker are around Rp2.7 trillion. Fuel Import Loss through DMUT/Broker are around Rp9 trillion. Compensation Giving Losses (2023) are around Rp126 trillion. Subsidy Giving Losses (2023) are around Rp21 trillion. Total for five years is Rp968 trillion.

VP Trading Operation PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, Edward Corne Arrested By AGO/PHOTO: Dadan Hardian-VOI

"It's okay"

"It's okay"

"It's okay"

"It's okay"

LBH Jakarta Condemns Allegations Of Pertamax Coupling, Opens Public Complaints Command Post

The Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) strongly condemns the alleged mixing of Pertamax (RON 92) fuel disclosed by the Attorney General's Office (AGO). This allegation is related to crude oil governance and refinery products at PT Pertamina Sub Holding and Cooperation Contractors (KKKS) for the 2018-2023 period.

"If this happens, this is a betrayal of public trust. In addition, this also violates consumer rights to quality fuel," said Director of LBH Jakarta, Fadhil Alfathan, to VOI.ID, Sunday, March 2, 2025.

Fadhil emphasized that the public has the right to guarantee quality and transparent information about the fuel they use. Responding to this allegation, LBH Jakarta together with the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) opens a complaint post, both online and offline, for people who feel disadvantaged.

"Since February 26, 2025, we have opened a complaint post for affected residents. To this day, 506 reports have been submitted," said Fadhil.

According to him, this post aims to explore the impact of the alleged mixing and formulate advocacy measures for the community. The incoming report will be the basis for further tracing this case.

If it is proven that there is an mixing, LBH Jakarta and Celios are ready to bridge the community so that their rights are restored. "Pertamina must be responsible and compensate the affected consumer losses," said Fadhil.

Corruption In The Energy Sector Blocks Transition To New And Renewable Energy

Corruption in the energy sector is still the main stumbling block in the transition to new and renewable energy (EBT). The latest scandal on the alleged mixing of Pertamax and Pertalite by PT Pertamina further complicates Indonesia's efforts to switch to clean energy.

Director of Greenpress Indonesia, Igg Maha Adi, highlighted this issue in his statement on Monday, March 3, 2025.

"This scandal shows that the government prefers to spend a lot of money on imports. Corruption in fuel management not only harms the economy, but also has a bad impact on the environment," said Adi.

Environmental Impact Of Fuel Corruption

According to a Greenpress study, allegations of corruption in the management of crude oil and refinery products for the 2018-2023 period have three main impacts on ecology:

1. Increased Carbon Emissions The large amount of crude oil imports contributed to the high carbon emissions produced by fuel tankers.

2. Exploitation of Natural Resources Manupopulation of refinery production makes domestic oil exploitation not optimal, which has the potential to encourage excessive exploitation in certain areas or even open new exploration areas that damage the ecosystem.

3. Air Pollution The quality of fuel quality Manipulation risks increasing air pollution, especially in big cities. Greenpress emphasized that mixing of Pertalite into Pertamax can produce fuel that does not meet emission standards.

Urges For Energy Transparency

Adi urged the government to take firm steps in law enforcement and environmental conservation.

"It's time for Indonesia to really implement a transparent and sustainable energy policy for a greener future," he said.

EBT, continued Adi, is an alternative energy that is environmentally friendly and sustainable. In addition to helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions, EBT also plays a role in overcoming global warming.

Indonesia has great potential in the development of EBT, including:

Mini/micro hydro: 450 MW

Biomass: 50 GW

Solar energy: 4.80 kWh / m2 / day

Wind energy: 3-6 m/det

Nuclear Energy: 3 GW

With this potential, Indonesia has a great opportunity to switch to clean energy. However, concrete steps in eradicating corruption are the key to this transition going well. Political observer and Lecturer of Political Science at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Adi Prayitno also opened his voice regarding the fantastic salary of the President Director (Managing Director) of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga.

According to Adi, Pertamina's Managing Director's salary should be cut to the equivalent of UMR so that it feels difficult to live life.

"GEDE BENER GAJINYA. EMANG KERJANYA APA? Quotekan media ESTimasi salary Direktur Utama Pertamina Patra Niaga per bulan mencapai Rp 1,81 Miliar. Pangkas saja sama UMR agar ikut merasakannya sulitnya berjuang dengan hidup. Pangkas salaryan perusahaan BUMN itu," tulis Adi Prayitno dalam cuitannya, dikutip Minggu, 2 Maret.

The salary of the President Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Riva Siahaan set by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) reaches IDR 1.816 billion every month.