Law Enforcement Must Take Firm Action Against Fuel Hoarders
Law enforcement must take firm action against those hoarding fuel oil (BBM), both the field actors and their intellectual backers.
“The perpetrators must be prosecuted criminally. In addition, their backers must be sought out,” stressed Consumer Protection Activist Tulus Abadi on Thursday (19/3).
According to Tulus, fuel hoarding is a serious legal violation that harms the public. Therefore, he positively views the ultimatum from the West Kalimantan (Kalbar) Police Chief, Inspector General Pipit Rismanto, to fuel hoarders.
“The arrest order is correct. Hoarding actions harm the public and the state. It must not be compromised,” stated Tulus, who is also Chairman of the Indonesian Empowered Consumer Forum (FKBI).
Tulus stated that firm action is very much needed to prevent suspicions of fuel hoarding from spreading across Indonesia. Therefore, there must be joint legal steps, synergistic between law enforcement, Pertamina, and other policymakers. In addition, public education is required.
Tulus also hopes that SPBU employees will be more aware if there are parties filling fuel into vehicles with suspiciously large tank capacities. Awareness enhancement for SPBU employees needs to be carried out to prevent cooperation with hoarders.
“Even strict sanctions are needed if there are rogue elements cooperating. I also ask the public to be wise and smart in using BBM and not to engage in panic buying. Because panic buying will only damage the market and the public’s psychology itself,” he emphasised.
Tulus explained that panic buying or even hoarding fuel, from a safety perspective, is a high-risk action. “Panic buying is an instant and even selfish action that will not solve the problem. It can even further distort and complicate the issue. The impact can cause fuel shortages and then soaring prices,” he said.
The public, continued Tulus, should instead start thinking hard about ways and strategies to mitigate the impact through controlling fuel consumption itself. This includes using public transport for daily activities and mobility. On the other hand, Tulus hopes that Pertamina will conduct socialisation regarding the fuel situation, including secure fuel supplies monitored 24 hours by the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026 Task Force.
Previously, the West Kalimantan Police Chief, Inspector General Pipit Rismanto, issued an ultimatum to fuel hoarders. The police assured that perpetrators would be dealt with. “I ask for investigations to be conducted. If there is hoarding, enforce the law. No need for patrols anymore, just arrest them. I warn rogue groups or certain groups that usually hoard fuel not to make our brothers end up in prison during Eid al-Fitr,” he said.
The Police Chief also emphasised that the public should not engage in panic buying because fuel stocks are sufficient. As conveyed in the National Police Chief’s directive, fuel availability in Indonesia is adequate. This means the public does not need to panic.