Exposed! Subsidised Fuel Mafia in NTT, 27 Cases Uncovered, 2 Police Officers Implicated
Kupang, VIVA – The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police (Polda NTT) are intensifying efforts to eradicate the practice of a subsidised fuel (BBM) mafia that has long disadvantaged the public.
In recent months, authorities have successfully uncovered dozens of misuse cases allegedly involving an organised network. From February to May 2026, Polda NTT recorded handling 27 cases of subsidised BBM misuse.
These findings also indicate the presence of systematic illegal practices that have persisted for a considerable period. NTT Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Rudi Darmoko, emphasised that the uncovering represents a concrete step in breaking the chain of the energy mafia in the region.
“This uncovering is a real step by Polda NTT in breaking the chain of the energy mafia, which causes fuel shortages. Polda NTT has mapped around 40 individuals who could potentially become suspects. Some have been designated, and legal processes are ongoing. Polda NTT investigators continue to deepen the probe with expert support to ensure comprehensive case handling,” he said on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.
From the investigation results, this subsidised BBM misuse practice is suspected to have been ongoing for about three years. The total misused BBM even reaches nearly 2,900 tonnes, indicating a significant scale of violation.
Not only the general public, Polda NTT also firmly acts against internal members involved. Two Indonesian National Police (Polri) members have been designated as suspects and detained since 24 April 2026.
The two are Iptu HPD, who serves as Danki 4 Battalion B Pelopor Satbrimob Polda NTT, and Aipda DGL, who is Kanit Paminal Polres Manggarai Timur.
Head of Public Relations Division of Polda NTT, Commissioner of Police Henry Novika Chandra, affirmed that his institution will not tolerate violations, including those involving police apparatus.
“Polda NTT does not tolerate any violations, including by apparatus. Firm sanctions will be imposed, from ethical codes to criminal. The two personnel designated as suspects are currently undergoing ethical code trials as a form of commitment to maintaining public trust,” Henry stated.
In the uncovering, police also discovered various methods used by the perpetrators. Ranging from misuse of remote area recommendation letters, collaboration with fuel station operators, to repeated BBM purchases using different vehicles.