FKBI: Hoarders of fuel must be prosecuted as they harm the public
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Consumer Empowerment Forum (FKBI) states that hoarding of fuel oil (BBM) is a form of serious legal violation that greatly harms the public, so security apparatus should certainly take action against the perpetrators.
FKBI Chairman Tulus Abadi in Jakarta on Thursday stated that firm action is warranted against fuel hoarders, not only the field actors but also the intellectual actors behind them.
Therefore, his side views the stance of the West Kalimantan Regional Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Pipit Rismanto, who issued an ultimatum to fuel hoarders, as a positive step.
“The arrest order is correct. The hoarding action harms the public and the state. The perpetrators must be processed through criminal law. In addition, their backers must be sought,” he said in his statement.
According to him, such firm action is very much needed to prevent suspicions of fuel hoarding from spreading across Indonesia.
For that, there must be joint, synergistic legal steps between law enforcers, Pertamina, and other policymakers, as well as education for the public.
Tulus also hopes that petrol station (SPBU) employees will be more aware if there are parties filling fuel into vehicles with suspicious tank sizes.
Increasing awareness among SPBU employees, he continued, needs to be done so that no cooperation with hoarders occurs, and even firm sanctions are needed if there are rogue elements who collaborate.
On the other hand, Tulus urged the public to be wise and smart in using fuel and not to engage in panic buying because that would only damage the market and public psychology.
“Panic buying action is an instant, even selfish, action that will not solve the problem. In fact, it can further distort and make the issue more complicated. The impact could be fuel shortages, and then prices soaring,” he said.
The public, he added, should instead start thinking hard about ways and strategies to help mitigate the impact through controlling fuel consumption, including using public transport for daily activities and mobility.
Meanwhile, according to him, Pertamina needs to conduct socialisation regarding the fuel situation, including safe and tightly monitored fuel supplies around the clock by the Ramadan and Idul Fitri 2026 Task Force.
Previously, after leading the Troops Roll Call for the Kapuas Ketupat Operation 2026 at the Jananuraga Field of the West Kalimantan Police Headquarters on Thursday (12/3/2026), Police Chief Pipit issued an ultimatum to fuel hoarders and assured that the perpetrators would be dealt with.
“I ask to conduct investigations. If there is hoarding, enforce the law. No need for patrols anymore, just arrest them. I urge rogue groups or certain groups who usually hoard fuel not to end up in prison during the Idul Fitri holiday,” he said.
The Police Chief also emphasised that the public should not engage in panic buying because fuel stocks are sufficient.