Frequent Errors Prompt Pertamina to Update Subsidised Fuel QR Code Data
Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jatimbalinus is striving to continuously update consumer QR code or barcode data for subsidised fuel oil (BBM) in East Java to make its distribution more effective.
“We maintain the reliability of energy supply, among other things, by evaluating and updating consumer data periodically to ensure that subsidised BBM distribution is on target and easily accessible,” said Area Manager for Communication, Relations & CSR at Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jatimbalinus, Ahad Rahedi, in Surabaya on Thursday (30/4/2026).
This is done in response to aspirations from truck driver groups regarding the implementation of barcodes that often experience errors or technical issues when they are purchasing BBM, thus hindering goods distribution.
Ahad stated that updating data is a strategic step to ensure the use of QR codes and subsidised BBM quotas aligns with valid vehicle ownership. The implementation of QR codes in the Targeted Subsidy programme is a government policy to ensure that subsidised BBM distribution, both Biosolar and Pertalite, is on target and used by entitled parties.
In this regard, Ahad said, Pertamina acts as the distributor in accordance with the government’s assignment.
Regarding QR codes that experience issues or cannot be used for transactions, he assured that the system periodically monitors registered vehicle data and QR code usage patterns at petrol stations.
The system also detects transaction anomalies, such as large-volume refuelling in close proximity or refuelling at multiple different petrol stations in a short time. Such conditions may indicate misuse of QR codes by irresponsible parties, thus requiring a re-verification process.
To serve the needs of truck drivers experiencing issues with QR codes during transactions, Pertamina has opened 147 helpdesks across East Java to expedite the re-verification process and reactivate QR codes so they can be used for purchasing subsidised BBM.
For information, there are 119 vehicles that have re-registered for QR code activation, with about 73.1 per cent or 87 vehicles having successfully completed the re-registration process, while 26.9 per cent or about 32 vehicles have not yet succeeded.
Ahad explained that the challenges faced vary, including licence plate numbers not yet registered, deleted QR codes, and the need for vehicle data revisions. He urged the public whose data is not yet active to immediately re-register using accurate vehicle data.
The registration process is designed to be simple so that the public can still obtain subsidised BBM without issues, ensuring services can be enjoyed smoothly and safely.