Modus of Hoarding Subsidised Fuel in NTT Involving 40 Suspects Revealed

Director of Special Criminal Investigation at the East Nusa Tenggara Police, Senior Commissioner Hans Rachmatulloh Irawan, has revealed the primary methods of fuel hoarding in NTT, including the use of vehicles with modified tanks, other people’s QR codes, collaboration with petrol station operators, and the misuse of subsidised fuel recommendation letters. In total, there are 40 suspects in the case. “So all those involved (both entrepreneurs and police) will still be pursued through legal processes. The success in uncovering this modus operandi comes from cooperation and information from the public and media. Specifically for the media, I hope they continue to function as a control in relation to the enforcement of fuel and gas,” said Hans during a press conference at the NTT Police Headquarters on Tuesday (5/5/2026). Hans explained that the uncovering of this fuel hoarding is an effort to safeguard and protect the rights of the people of NTT in fulfilling their fuel and gas needs. According to him, in this case, there are roles as suppliers and demanders. “So when the demand is high, these people work to collect and hoard fuel. The distribution mechanism is like that,” clarified Hans. “Actually, this subsidised fuel is only intended for the public. It’s a pity for the people who need it. Don’t let this subsidised fuel be misused by entrepreneurs to seek profit,” added Hans. Furthermore, Hans stated that the flow of subsidised fuel is distributed to fishing vessels. On the other hand, sales also gain significant profits from the base price of that fuel by misusing recommendation letters from relevant agencies. “Well, those who misuse the recommendation letters are the ones we arrested because the modus is to gain personal profit,” said Hans. In this case, the NTT Police have also examined three SPBU (petrol station) officials involved in the hoarding. However, the NTT Police are still investigating their respective roles. “Because the modus involves collaboration with SPBU operators,” added Hans. Hans emphasised that Malaka, Belu, and North Central Timor Regencies, which directly border Timor Leste, are a serious concern for the NTT Police in supervising the distribution of fuel and gas. This is because fuel prices in those three regencies have skyrocketed. “Therefore, for border areas, the National Police Headquarters has also formed a smuggling task force to monitor subsidised fuel and gas,” explained Hans. Pertamina Will Take Firm Action Pertamina Patra Niaga Jatim-Balinus responded regarding the involvement of SPBU officials in hoarding diesel and Pertalite. In this case, the NTT Police have designated 40 people as suspects. Among them are SPBU officials. “If allegations of involvement of rogue elements at SPBU are proven, Pertamina will firmly implement disciplinary sanctions,” said Area Manager for Communication, Relations & CSR at Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jatimbalinus, Ahad Rahedi, when confirmed by detikBali on Tuesday. Ahad explained that his side is still verifying first whether the purchases with jerry cans used subsidised or non-subsidised fuel products. This includes checking recommendation letters from relevant agencies. “Then check whether it is equipped with a recommendation letter from the relevant agency or not,” clarified Ahad. According to Ahad, the hoarding case handled by the NTT Police is the largest revelation to date. However, he emphasised that handling this case must also involve cross-sectoral efforts. “That’s right, it must be cross-sectoral that is active according to their respective authorities,” concluded Ahad.