Fuel Distribution Irregularities Rampant in South Kalimantan
Practices of thuggery and irregularities in the distribution of subsidised Fuel (BBM) are reported to be rampant in the South Kalimantan region. This situation has triggered long queues of vehicles, particularly for the purchase of subsidised diesel (bio diesel), crowding numerous petrol stations across various areas. In response to the situation, the South Kalimantan Regional Police (Polda Kalsel) held a limited coordination meeting attended directly by the Governor of South Kalimantan, Muhidin, and leaders from PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Kalsel Area on Wednesday (3/6).
The South Kalimantan Police Chief, Inspector General Rosyanto Yudha Hermawan, emphasised that the meeting aimed to dissect the root causes of fuel scarcity and tighten field distribution oversight. “We have held a meeting with the Governor and Pertamina to discuss the issue of fuel scarcity and the monitoring of subsidised fuel distribution in South Kalimantan,” stated Inspector General Rosyanto in Banjarbaru.
During the meeting, several crucial factors were identified as potential primary causes of the scarcity. In addition to indications of hoarding by certain parties, thuggery within depot environments and the fuel distribution chain is believed to persist. According to the allocated quota for subsidised fuel in South Kalimantan, there should be no scarcity or long queues. “In this regard, an evaluation of the monitoring and distribution system for subsidised fuel is required to ensure distribution reaches the intended targets,” the Police Chief asserted.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from the South Kalimantan Regional Police, including the Deputy Chief of Police, the Inspectorate of Regional Police, and Directors of General and Special Criminal Investigation. Representing Pertamina were the Executive General Manager of Pertamina Patra Niaga Kalimantan Region, Isfahani, and the South Kalimantan Sales Area Manager, Bondan Tri Wibowo.
Isfahani, the Executive General Manager of Pertamina Balikpapan, explained that they have implemented a QR Code mechanism as an instrument to control the volume of subsidised diesel purchases. However, he admitted that field implementation still faces technical hurdles and user compliance issues. “Petrol station attendants play a vital role in directly verifying QR Code users during transactions. However, oversight regarding the use of these codes remains limited,” said Isfahani.
The Governor of South Kalimantan, Muhidin, urged for a stronger, more stringent system. He proposed a study on integrating vehicle data via registration documents (STNK) into the QR Code system to minimise misuse by irresponsible parties. The Provincial Government and the South Kalimantan Regional Police are committed to continuous monitoring of field distribution to ensure the public’s right to subsidised fuel is not disrupted by illegal practices.