DENPASAR — Word Warta Global.ID
Amid fuel shortages and long queues at several public fuel stations (SPBUs) across Bali, the Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali), together with local police units, have uncovered several suspected cases of subsidized fuel abuse involving diesel and Pertalite.
In a series of enforcement operations, police arrested seven people suspected of involvement in the misuse and unauthorized resale of subsidized fuel.
The cases have drawn public attention as subsidized fuel is a strategic commodity intended for eligible communities and sectors. At a time when residents are struggling to obtain fuel, alleged stockpiling and resale at inflated prices could further disrupt distribution and burden consumers.
Bali Police Public Relations Chief Kombes Pol. Ariasandy confirmed the cases and emphasized that law enforcement would take firm action against the misuse of government-subsidized fuel.
“Polda Bali and its subordinate units will not tolerate any form of misuse or diversion of government-subsidized fuel. We are taking firm action to protect the rights of people who genuinely need these subsidies,” Ariasandy said on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Suspected Stockpiling of 300 Liters of Diesel in Tabanan
One of the cases was uncovered by the Bali Police Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimsus) in Tabanan Regency. Officers detained a 64-year-old man identified by the initials IMS, who is suspected of stockpiling subsidized diesel fuel.
According to police, the case was uncovered following information from the public on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time. The location was an empty plot of land next to SPBU 54.821.04 on Jalan Dr. Soekarno, Delod Peken, Tabanan.
Investigators allege that the suspect purchased subsidized diesel using vehicle and agricultural-purchasing barcodes available to him. The fuel was subsequently stored in several jerrycans and transported in a metallic gray Suzuki Carry ST 100 pickup truck bearing license plate DK 1216 GD.
Police suspect the accumulated fuel was intended for resale through the suspect's shop to generate personal profit. According to information obtained during the investigation, the activity had allegedly been taking place since early 2026.
Officers seized several items of evidence, including:
Approximately 300 liters of subsidized diesel fuel.
One Suzuki Carry ST 100 bearing license plate DK 1216 GD.
Fifteen jerrycans with a stated capacity of 35 liters each, including 10 containing approximately 30 liters of diesel each and five empty containers.
Three additional empty 30-liter jerrycans.
One vehicle barcode associated with license plate DK 8187 GC.
One agricultural recommendation letter authorizing diesel purchases.
The seized items are being examined as part of the investigation into the alleged misuse of facilities intended to facilitate the purchase of subsidized fuel.
Six Other Suspects Detained in Denpasar, Buleleng, Badung and Gianyar
Separate operations were conducted by the Denpasar City Police Criminal Investigation Unit and police units in Buleleng, Badung and Gianyar.
Six additional individuals were detained in connection with suspected misuse and unauthorized sales of subsidized fuel.
The individuals were identified by their initials as follows:
F, 31, detained by Denpasar City Police on October 14, 2026.
PSAA, 25; GAW, 17; and GR, 31, detained by Buleleng Police.
U, 27, detained by Badung Police in Dalung, North Kuta.
IGRA, 23, detained by Gianyar Police in the Batubulan area.
According to information released by Bali Police, the suspects allegedly sold subsidized fuel in 1.5-liter plastic bottles at prices ranging from Rp50,000 to Rp100,000 per bottle.
The sales were reportedly advertised through Facebook, including Facebook Marketplace, with transactions conducted using the cash-on-delivery (COD) method.
If proven, such practices could harm consumers and undermine the government's objective of ensuring that energy subsidies reach eligible recipients.
However, the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. The individuals concerned must be presumed innocent unless and until their guilt is established through a final and legally binding court decision.
Police Seize Fuel, Cash and Vehicles
During the operations in the four jurisdictions, officers confiscated evidence allegedly connected to the unauthorized sale of Pertalite.
The reported evidence included plastic bottles containing fuel, jerrycans and water containers holding fuel, empty bottles, cash suspected to be proceeds from sales, and vehicles allegedly used in the activities.
The listed items included four 1.5-liter plastic bottles containing Pertalite, five full 1.5-liter mineral-water bottles, one 15-liter mineral-water container holding approximately four liters of Pertalite, and four empty 1.5-liter bottles.
Police also seized cash allegedly linked to the transactions, with amounts of Rp70,000 and Rp750,000 recorded in the case information.
Other items included a Suzuki Carry pickup truck bearing license plate DK 8492 PR, a Honda Scoopy motorcycle bearing license plate DK 6610 UBD, a black Suzuki Thunder motorcycle bearing license plate DK 2804 RG, approximately two meters of transparent hose, a black bag, and a Redmi Note 12 mobile phone.
The evidence inventory also records 13.5 liters of Pertalite in nine 1.5-liter bottles, along with another bottle listed as containing 0.3 liters.
These figures should be reconciled with the official seizure records to verify the number of containers, their capacities and the total volume of fuel confiscated.
Suspects Face Potential Six-Year Prison Sentences
Bali Police stated that the suspects were allegedly charged under Article 55 of Law No. 22 of 2001 on Oil and Natural Gas, as amended by Law No. 6 of 2023 concerning Job Creation, relating to the misuse of the transportation and/or trading of government-subsidized fuel.
The provision carries a maximum penalty of six years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp60 billion.
The final charges and criminal liability of each individual will depend on the findings of the investigation, the sufficiency of the evidence and the applicable legal proceedings.
Fuel Distribution Oversight Comes Under Scrutiny
The seven arrests highlight the importance of effective oversight of subsidized fuel distribution, particularly as residents across Bali face difficulties obtaining fuel.
The issue extends beyond identifying individuals suspected of stockpiling or reselling fuel. It also raises questions about how distribution systems, purchasing barcodes, agricultural recommendation letters and on-the-ground monitoring are implemented to ensure subsidies reach their intended recipients.
Against this backdrop, law enforcement must be accompanied by transparent public information about fuel stocks, supply distribution and monitoring procedures at filling stations.
Such transparency is essential to help residents distinguish between supply disruptions, suspected distribution abuses and broader governance issues that may require evaluation.
Law enforcement agencies must also ensure that every case is handled professionally and based on evidence, with appropriate updates provided to the public in accordance with legal requirements.
Bali Police Urge Public to Report Suspected Fuel Misuse
Bali Police Public Relations Chief Kombes Pol. Ariasandy urged the public not to misuse government-provided facilities, including vehicle barcodes and agricultural fuel-purchase recommendation letters, for illegal personal gain.
He also encouraged residents to provide information if they encounter suspected fuel stockpiling or irregularities involving the distribution of subsidized fuel and gas.
Members of the public can report suspected violations to the nearest police station or contact the Indonesian Police emergency service at 110.
The cases serve as a reminder that subsidized fuel is intended for eligible communities and sectors, not for unauthorized trading for private profit.
As fuel shortages and long queues continue to disrupt daily activities, firm law enforcement must go hand in hand with transparent distribution oversight and effective efforts to restore normal supplies.
Ultimately, residents need more than announcements of arrests. They also need assurance that subsidized fuel is available, distributed fairly and delivered to those entitled to receive it.
WartaGlobal.ID
By Afkan
Views Post
