Central Java Police Uncover 59 Illegal Mining and Subsidy Abuse Cases

SEMARANG — Central Java Police uncovered 59 cases involving illegal mining and the misuse of subsidised fuel and gas between October and November 2026. Police named 79 suspects and estimated that the operations had safeguarded state assets worth Rp50.07 billion.

Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Roy Hardi Siahaan said the cases were investigated by the force’s Special Crimes Directorate and local police units. They comprised seven cases of illegal stone and sand mining, 46 cases of subsidised fuel abuse and six cases involving subsidised gas.

In the crackdown on illegal mining, police arrested eight suspects in seven cases across Sukoharjo, Semarang, Jepara, Cilacap and Kendal regencies. Seized evidence included 14 lorries and 10 excavators.

The estimated state losses prevented in the illegal mining cases amounted to Rp30.90 billion. Kendal Police recorded the highest figure, at Rp16 billion.

“The suspects are charged under Article 158 of Law No. 4/2009, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and a maximum fine of Rp100 billion,” Roy told a press conference at the Central Java Police Special Crimes Directorate headquarters in Semarang on Friday (13 November 2026).

Meanwhile, the action against subsidised fuel abuse covered 46 cases across 32 regencies and cities in Central Java. The fuel involved included diesel and Pertalite.

Roy said one method uncovered was the repeated use of MyPertamina app QR codes with vehicle registration plates that did not match. Police also found recommendation letters for purchasing subsidised fuel being misused to buy fuel for resale.

Other methods included transferring fuel from vehicle tanks into jerrycans or drums, stockpiling it, transporting it and reselling it. Police also uncovered the mixing of subsidised diesel with processed oil for sale.

“Another method was misusing recommendation letters for purchasing subsidised fuel for resale. Subsidised fuel was also siphoned from vehicle tanks and transferred into jerrycans, drums or storage containers. It was then stockpiled, transported and resold for profit. Another method was mixing subsidised diesel with processed oil for sale,” Roy said.

Police named 61 suspects in the 46 cases and seized 3,860 litres of Pertalite and 59,359 litres of diesel. They also impounded 51 four- and six-wheeled vehicles. The estimated value of state assets safeguarded in the subsidised fuel cases was Rp18.01 billion.

The suspects face charges under Article 55 of Law No. 22/2001 on Oil and Gas, as amended by Law No. 6/2023 on Job Creation. The offences carry a maximum prison sentence of six years and a maximum fine of Rp60 billion.

In addition to fuel, police uncovered six cases involving subsidised gas. The method involved transferring the contents of 3kg LPG cylinders into cylinders weighing 50kg, 12kg and 5.5kg.

The cases occurred in several areas, including Semarang city and Kudus, Demak and Purworejo regencies. Police arrested 10 suspects and estimated that the state assets safeguarded amounted to Rp1.16 billion.

“From all these cases, we estimate that the value of state assets safeguarded and the subsidy abuse prevented totalled Rp50,078,766,928,” Roy said.

Roy urged the public to report any suspected misuse of subsidised fuel or gas, as well as illegal mining. Central Java Police said they would continue to take action against energy subsidy abuse and illegal mining.