West Papua Police Name 7 Suspects In Subsidized Fuel Case

Evidence of a truck carrying subsidized fuel which was successfully secured by the Ditreskrimsus team of the West Papua Police along with seven suspects. HO/Public Relations Division of the West Papua Regional Police. (ANTARA/HANS ARNOLD KAPISA)

MANOKWARI - The West Papuan Regional Police have named seven people in Manokwari Regency as suspects in a suspected case of misuse of subsidized fuel oil (BBM) type Bio Solar.

Head of Public Relations of the West Papua Police Kombes Adam Erwindi said the determination of the suspect was carried out after the fulfillment of two pieces of evidence for the alleged misuse of subsidized fuel.

"Seven suspects have been detained at the West Papua Police detention center for further legal proceedings," said Adam as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 8.

He said the West Papua Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) team carried out surveillance for a week and succeeded in arresting the suspects last Saturday while filling up at one of the gas stations distributing subsidized Bio Solar in Manokwari Regency.

"Filling at gas stations is carried out in various modes ranging from queuing every day, using incorrect motor vehicle number (TNKB) signs, red plate vehicles that are intentionally replaced with black plates, to modifying fuel tanks. The goal is to resell them to get more profit," said Comr. Adam.

The Head of Public Relations confirmed that a number of witnesses had been examined, from vehicle owners, gas station managers, Pertamina employees in the Manokwari area to expert witnesses from BPH Migas before the investigation stage was escalated to investigation.

So that through today's case, seven people were named as suspects, namely RS, FA, AM, ME, MUI, MNR, and RH. The suspects act as the owner and driver of the fuel transport vehicle.

"Seven suspects were charged with Article 40 point 9 of Law No. 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation for the amendment of Article 55 of Law No. 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas which carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp. 60 billion. , said Kombes Adam.