BPH Migas ensures easier access to fuel for Muna Barat residents

Muna Barat, Southeast Sulawesi — The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migumnas) has ensured that residents of Muna Barat Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, will find it increasingly easy to obtain subsidised fuel, particularly those living in island areas.

This effort is being undertaken through an evaluation of distribution patterns in collaboration with the Directorate General of Oil and Gas of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and Pertamina Patra Niaga (PPN). The goal is to ensure smooth fuel distribution, alleviate queues, and meet community needs.

“With the established fuel subsidy allocation, this evaluation serves to ensure that the strengthened allocation provided to Muna Barat is truly utilised by the community groups within Muna Barat and its surroundings,” said the Head of BPH Migas, Wahyudi Anas, in Muna Barat on Saturday.

Wahyudi stated that the evaluation is necessary to assess the field conditions of subsidised fuel distribution and to ensure that the allocated amount is utilised by entitled citizens. BPH Migas, alongside the Ministry of ESDM and Pertamina Patra Niaga, conducted field monitoring at the Kambara Petrol Station (SPBU) in Muna Barat on Friday.

“We are ensuring whether the fuel distribution situation is indeed sufficiently smooth,” he said.

According to him, strengthening distribution must be accompanied by mapping areas that are not yet optimally served. BPH Migas, together with the Muna Barat Regency Government, will evaluate these points to find solutions.

“We have requested PPN to increase the frequency of fuel delivery orders to accelerate the process. The results will then be evaluated, and adjustments will be made according to needs and petrol station locations,” he added.

Muna Barat has the characteristics of an island region, meaning fuel needs must be adjusted to the conditions and activities of the community. BPH Migas also encouraged that the distribution of subsidised fuel continues to be carried out orderly so that the benefits are received by the entitled community groups.

Wahyudi emphasised that compliance with subsidised fuel purchase regulations is vital to maintain target accuracy. This includes the use of QR Codes and ensuring vehicle data matches.

He reminded the public of key requirements: first, the purchase of subsidised fuel for four-wheeled vehicles and above must use a specific QR Code. Furthermore, the QR Code must be synchronised with the vehicle’s licence plate and the Vehicle Registration Certificate (STNK).

“The objective is to make the purchase of subsidised fuel more selective, ensuring it is not used for purposes other than private vehicles, goods transport, or public passenger transport, but rather sold illegally,” he emphasised.

In addition to private vehicles, subsidised fuel can be accessed by specific user groups, such as farmers, fishermen, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), water transport, and public services, through a Recommendation Letter from the local Regional Government Organisation (OPD).

Distribution data will serve as material for evaluating fuel needs for the following year. Therefore, data updates are necessary to identify priority areas and distribution points for community service.

“Thus, we can conclude which petrol stations require adjustments to their fuel volume needs,” he said.

Wahyudi revealed that Muna Barat is a producer in the agricultural and fisheries sectors, which serve as the main drivers of the local economy.

The local government and relevant officials are also expected to assist in monitoring to ensure that the use of subsidised Biosolar and Pertalite (compensated fuel) provides real benefits to the community’s economy. Distributors and petrol stations also play a crucial role in providing fuel services in accordance with established regulations.

He requested that distributors always take preventive and selective measures regarding the purchase of Biosolar and Pertalite in accordance with the regulations.

The Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry of ESDM, Laode Sulaeman, explained that service arrangements at petrol stations can be improved to speed up the process for consumers who meet the requirements.

“At this petrol station, we have suggested increasing Human Resources (HR) specifically to separate those with complete documents from those with incomplete documents. By separating the lanes, those with complete documents will be prioritised, while those with incomplete documents will undergo further screening,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Muna Barat, La Ode Darwin, appreciated the steps taken by BPH Migas, the Directorate General of Oil and Gas, and PPN to directly address fuel distribution issues in the region. The Muna Barat Regency Government will conduct mapping of the community’s fuel needs.

“Today, they have responded much faster to the grievances in Muna Barat; this is a progressive step and what we hope for as the people of Muna Barat,” he said.

The Corporate Marketing Director of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Alimuddin Baso, stated that fuel needs vary by region. Distribution is adjusted based on the central government’s assessment of the needs in each area.

“As a business entity, we will support this. The most important thing is to provide education on targeted subsidised fuel distribution, and we certainly expect the Local Government to be part of the ecosystem in building collective awareness,” he said.