Man in Karangasem Arrested for Storing Subsidised Fuel in Modified Car Tank

The Directorate of Water and Air Police (Ditpolairud) of the Bali Regional Police has arrested a suspect for the misuse of subsidised fuel in Karangasem. The suspect, with the initials IKS, was apprehended while driving a car that had been modified to carry hundreds of litres of subsidised fuel.

Head of Public Relations of the Bali Regional Police, Commissioner Ariasandy, said officers initially received information about a vehicle that frequently transported Pertalite fuel and sold it to coastal areas. IKS was arrested during a patrol around Jalan Raya Seraya, Karangasem, on Tuesday (11/8).

“While passing through the Seraya sub-district, officers found a Suzuki APV matching the information,” Ariasandy said on Tuesday (18/8/2026).

Upon inspection, police found that the vehicle had been modified with a black tank installed to store subsidised fuel. Police also found 190 litres of Pertalite stored in the tank.

Ariasandy said officers found 13 barcode sheets believed to have been used by IKS to purchase subsidised fuel. In addition, a fuel pump machine, pump switch, hose, tarpaulin, and used tyres were also found in the vehicle.

IKS and the evidence have been secured at the Ditpolairud headquarters of the Bali Regional Police. During interrogation, IKS admitted to buying subsidised fuel in the Subagan area and Bebandem District, Karangasem.

“The perpetrator admitted that the fuel was purchased from the Subagan and Bebandem areas. The fuel was to be sold to fishermen in the Seraya area at a price above the retail price,” Ariasandy said.

For his actions, IKS is charged under Article 55 of Law Number 22 of 2001 on Oil and Gas, as amended by Law Number 6 of 2023 on Job Creation. IKS faces up to six years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp60 billion.