Behind the SPJ and Fuel Tanks: Tracing Alleged Irregularities in Tanjungpinang City

Every drop of fuel should power public services—from transporting waste to maintaining city cleanliness and ensuring government operations serve the community. However, when fuel budgets are allegedly misappropriated, what erodes is not merely figures in a financial report but public trust in the services meant for them. The Tanjungpinang District Attorney’s Office is currently investigating alleged discrepancies in accountability reports (SPJ) and fuel purchase invoices in a corruption case involving operational funds at the Tanjungpinang Housing, Settlement, Cleanliness and Parks Agency (Perkim). The case, estimated to have caused state losses of around Rp600 million, has officially advanced to the investigation stage. Head of the Tanjungpinang District Attorney’s Office, Rachmad Surya Lubis, confirmed that investigators are continuing to trace the use of the agency’s operational fuel budget. To date, approximately 30 witnesses have been questioned, including employees and former officials of the Perkim Agency. ‘Around 30 witnesses have been examined. I do not look at who they are, whether a former agency head or other parties. If they are connected to this case, we will certainly examine them,’ Rachmad stated on Saturday (13/6). The decision to elevate the case to the investigation stage was made after the investigative team conducted an exposure with the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK). The findings reinforced indications of irregularities in the management of the 2023 budget. According to the investigation results, several glaring anomalies were found in the management of the operational fuel budget, including: ‘The SPJ documents found were not in accordance. Additionally, 2023 operational costs were allegedly charged to the 2024 budget,’ Rachmad explained. In addition to examining witnesses, the investigative team has secured evidence in the form of bundles of fuel purchase invoices and financial accountability documents. These documents are currently being analysed in depth to strengthen the legal case. Despite clear indications of irregularities, the Tanjungpinang District Attorney’s Office has not yet named any suspects. The prosecution is awaiting the official audit results regarding the value of state losses from the BPK before proceeding to determine the parties legally responsible in this case.