Securing 26 Fuel Hoarding Vehicles In Manokwari, West Papua Police Are Still Investigating Who Owned It

West Papua Police Chief conveyed that 26 four-wheeled vehicles were suspected of transporting and stockpiling subsidized fuel in Manokwari/ANTARA

WEST PAPUA - The West Papua Police have secured 26 four-wheeled vehicles suspected of being used for transporting and stockpiling subsidized diesel fuel in Manokwari.

The Director of Special Crimes at the West Papua Police, Kombes Romylus Tam, said the 26 vehicles were secured from two gas stations in Manokwari.

"A total of 14 vehicles were secured from the Jalan Baru gas station and 12 vehicles at the Sowi gas station during the Vital Object Security (Pam Obvit) operation last Tuesday," he said in Manokwari, Antara, Friday, July 22.

The violations committed varied, for example, engineering fuel tanks so that they did not meet standards, using fake police numbers to queue at gas stations, and others.

"There are even indications that the use of subsidized solar for industrial activities, which in accordance with the law, is not allowed," explained Romylus.

So far the police have only secured four-wheeled vehicles and have not named suspects and detained people who are part of the hoarding of subsidized fuel.

If later someone is named a suspect, the West Papua Regional Police will ensnare the perpetrators under Article 55 of Law 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas junto Article 40 paragraph 9 of Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation.

Meanwhile, West Papua Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Tahi Monang Silitonga confirmed that his party is currently still developing the case related to the involvement of the company suspected of being a hoarder of subsidized fuel.

"They are the ones who caused the long queues of subsidized fuel in Manokwari. Whoever is involved, we will take legal action," said Silitonga.

Furthermore, the Regional Police Chief promised to carry out similar control at all gas stations providing subsidized fuel in the West Papua region.

"We will check all gas stations to ensure that subsidized fuel reaches the rightful people," he said.

It is known that during the operation to secure vital objects last Tuesday in Manokwari 33 vehicles were detained but after further investigation by the Ditreskrimsus seven other vehicles were returned.