Jember Fuel Station Sealed, Fuel Subsidy Leakage Draws Attention

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — The Center for Energy Security Studies views the sealing of the SPBU in Jember as an appropriate measure. The SPBU is suspected of misusing subsidised diesel. This case emerged after the Oil and Gas Supervisory Agency (BPH Migas) received reports from the public. CESS Executive Director Ali Ahmudi Achyak considers this enforcement important for maintaining the integrity of energy distribution. “This case underscores that subsidy leakages continue to be a serious problem at the distribution level. Enforcement must be consistent, not merely reactive, but also accompanied by improvements in a stricter and more transparent monitoring system,” said Ali on Wednesday (18/3/2026). Ali noted that violations by SPBUs are not a new occurrence. Some SPBUs are managed by private entities, making oversight more complex. He highlighted indications of discrepancies between distribution volumes and transactions that are not reasonable. According to him, this situation shows gaps in the monitoring system. “If proven guilty, administrative sanctions are not enough. There must be legal consequences and permanent revocation of permits to serve as a warning to other SPBUs,” he stated. “The law enforcement’s step to close the SPBU that committed violations is very appropriate,” said Hadi.