BPH Migas Uncovers Subsidised Fuel Misuse in Jambi
The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) has found indications of irregularities in the distribution of subsidised fuel at several petrol stations in Jambi Province. The findings, which confirm long-standing public complaints, were disclosed by BPH Migas Head Wahyudi Anas after monitoring subsidised fuel distribution in Jambi alongside the Indonesian Ombudsman and a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission XII on Saturday (11/7).
According to a release received by Media Indonesia, the inspection of several petrol stations in Jambi City and Muarojambi Regency uncovered indications of subsidised fuel misuse through repeated purchases. The practice involved using multiple QR codes for subsidised fuel transactions. Wahyudi also found that many vehicles did not match administrative data or usage regulations.
More concerning, Wahyudi revealed that the subsidised fuel, mostly diesel, obtained through repeated purchases was being resold to the industrial sector at higher prices. “The ‘pengerit’ or ‘helicopter’ modus operandi uses QR codes that do not match the vehicle type and licence plate. Furthermore, many vehicle registration documents (STNK) are invalid, vehicles have been modified, and many consumers use duplicate QR codes,” he explained.
Wahyudi stated that the findings would be handed over to the Jambi Regional Police for further investigation and legal proceedings. This step is being taken to ensure that the distribution of subsidised fuel complies with regulations. He expressed hope that the police would examine the findings and investigate the distribution of fuel and the types of vehicles involved in the anomalies.
If violations in the distribution of subsidised fuel are proven, Wahyudi added, firm action will be taken in accordance with applicable rules, including corrections and penalties for petrol stations found to be in breach. He stressed that strengthening cross-sector collaboration is key to ensuring subsidised fuel is truly used for the needs of the community. Synergy is being enhanced between BPH Migas, Commission XII of the House of Representatives, the Ombudsman, the Jambi Regional Police, the Jambi Provincial Government, Pertamina Patra Niaga Southern Sumatra Region, and the Directorate General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Commission XII member Syarif Fasha, who participated in the inspection, concurred, noting that checks on the digitalisation system revealed numerous irregularities. The NasDem Party politician added that Commission XII would coordinate with the Jambi provincial government to formulate regulations to control subsidised fuel distribution. He hopes the oversight efforts in Jambi can serve as a model for other regions in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Ombudsman member Nuzran Joher stated that strengthening the governance of subsidised fuel requires broader collaboration. The Ombudsman plans to enhance cooperation with BPH Migas by involving its network of representatives in various regions. Separately, Jambi Provincial Secretary Assistant for Economic and Development Affairs Syamsurizal said the monitoring results would serve as evaluation material for the local government to formulate regulations for more targeted subsidised fuel use.
Jambi Regional Police’s Director of Special Criminal Investigation, Taufik Nurmandia, confirmed that his department would follow up on the findings of alleged subsidised fuel misuse. “We will follow up and coordinate with Pertamina to first examine these findings,” Taufik said, as quoted from the BPH Migas release.