Six Regional Police Start Investigating Criminal Allegations Behind Fuel Scarcity

Pertamina gas station/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The National Police through six Polda have started to investigate the alleged criminal acts behind the scarcity of fuel oil (BBM). The collection of evidence and clues was carried out.

"Six regional police are investigating the case, namely West Sumatra, Jambi, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, Bali and Gorontalo," said Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Inspector General Dedi Prasetyo in his statement, Friday, April 8.

For the investigation process carried out by the West Sumatra Police based on a police report. Where, the modus operandi is reported by means of transportation and buying and selling of subsidized fuel.

Meanwhile, the Jambi Regional Police handled eight police reports related to alleged criminal acts related to BBM. Then, the South Kalimantan Police have seven police reports.

Furthermore, the East Kalimantan Police, the Bali Police, and the Gorontalo Police each handled one police report.

"All the reports have a modus operandi of transporting and buying and selling subsidized fuel," said Dedi.

In the investigation process, the police applied Article 40 point 9 of Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation, Amendment to Article 55 of Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas. With a maximum imprisonment of six years and a maximum fine of Rp. 60 billion.

On the other hand, Dedi emphasized that the Police will not hesitate and indiscriminately take firm action against anyone who violates the law and misuses fuel related to fuel. This is because action is taken to mitigate or prevent fuel shortages in the community.

"To maintain the availability of fuel and mitigate irregularities that result in a shortage of fuel that is needed by the community. The police will take firm action against anyone who is proven to have committed violations related to the misuse, distribution, storage and transportation of fuel," said Dedi.