BPH Migas: Fuel services in Flores continue to be strengthened post-disaster

The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) has confirmed that the availability of fuel oil (BBM) for communities on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is sufficient and secure following the disaster.

In a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, Head of BPH Migas Wahyudi Anas said that strengthening fuel distribution continues to be carried out to maintain smooth supply while meeting the needs of the public.

According to him, fuel availability in Labuan Bajo and the Flores region is in a safe condition.

He urged the public to use fuel according to their needs so that distribution can take place sustainably, including in emergency conditions.

“Fuel needs are sufficient and secure. It is hoped that fuel consumption will match daily needs, so that the situation during an emergency carried out from FT Labuan Bajo, FT Reo, as well as from FT Bima, and others can be carried out continuously to secure the needs of the community in Flores,” said Wahyudi.

While inspecting the Labuan Bajo Fuel Terminal (FT) in West Manggarai, NTT, on Wednesday, Wahyudi confirmed that fuel stocks and distribution were running smoothly.

Supervision is also directed at ensuring that services to the public at public fuel filling stations (SPBU), Pertashops, and kerosene agents in the Flores region continue to operate properly.

The strengthening of fuel supply is being carried out by BPH Migas together with Pertamina Patra Niaga and Elnusa Petrofin by increasing stock levels at fuel distributors.

There are currently 95 distributors, consisting of 56 SPBUs, 22 Pertashops, and 17 kerosene agents. All of these distributors remain operational to serve the needs of the community.

“As of today, we continue to make improvements. Fuel distribution continues to be increased until stocks at each distributor, SPBU, Pertashop and kerosene agent are properly fulfilled in every region. This is an effort to meet the needs of the community in the disaster-affected area of Flores Island,” he explained.

Smooth distribution is also supported by the restoration of transport access. A number of main routes previously affected by the disaster have been reopened, so that fuel mobilisation from FT Labuan Bajo and FT Reo can be carried out more effectively.

BPH Migas Committee Member Harya Adityawarman appreciated the swift action taken by PT Pertamina (Persero), Pertamina Patra Niaga, and Elnusa Petrofin in anticipating post-disaster conditions.

According to him, the continuity of fuel services is one indicator that distribution handling can be carried out properly.

“So far, there has been no reporting related to fuel shortages, meaning that post-disaster handling can be managed well,” said Harya.

Meanwhile, President Director of Elnusa Petrofin Doni Indrawan said that a number of distribution routes had been temporarily cut off due to the disaster.

The rapid restoration of access has restored inter-regional connectivity to support fuel distribution.

“Now the land routes are operational again, so that both from Reo, from Maumere, and from Ende are already connected,” he said.

Executive General Manager of Pertamina Patra Niaga for the East Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara Region Iwan Yudha Wibawa explained that post-disaster handling is being carried out comprehensively, from personnel management to the restoration of affected facilities and infrastructure.

Mitigation is also being carried out against damage to distribution routes to maintain the continuity of energy services for the community.