Nabire Deputy Regent: Subsidised fuel distribution tightened to prevent misuse

The Nabire Regency government in Central Papua is tightening the distribution of subsidised fuel oil (BBM) to prevent misuse and ensure it reaches the intended recipients. Deputy Regent Burhanuddin Pawennari stated on Tuesday that the restriction policy, regulated through a regent’s instruction, is primarily aimed at strengthening oversight of subsidised fuel distribution in the area. “This policy is more about supervision and control of subsidised fuel distribution. We hope the entire community will comply with the rules set by the regional government,” he said. According to him, there have been indications that subsidised fuel distribution has not been on target, prompting the local government to take control measures so that energy subsidies are truly enjoyed by those in need. He emphasised that state civil servants (ASN), members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) are prohibited from purchasing subsidised fuel, as they are considered capable of using non-subsidised fuel. “ASN do not use subsidised fuel because the subsidy is intended for the less fortunate. ASN, TNI and Polri are prohibited from buying subsidised fuel,” he said. He acknowledged having coordinated directly with Pertamina regarding the implementation of the policy, including efforts to monitor public fuel filling stations (SPBU). According to him, Pertamina has also been asked to take firm action against SPBU operators proven to have violated subsidised fuel distribution regulations. “I have met with Pertamina. One of the efforts is to take firm action against rogue SPBUs. Do not be afraid to refuse subsidised fuel to ASN, TNI or Polri. Please carry out your duties as they should be,” he stated. Previously, Nabire Regent Mesak Magai issued Regent’s Instruction Number 100.3.4.2/903/Set concerning the supervision, control, and regulation of subsidised fuel sales, which came into effect on 5 June 2026. The policy was issued to prevent the misuse of subsidised fuel while also addressing public complaints regarding long queues and distribution that was deemed not fully on target. Under the instruction, the regional government prohibits the purchase of subsidised fuel for official vehicles belonging to ASN, TNI, and Polri, four-wheeled vehicles or larger with licence plates from outside Nabire Regency, as well as company and business entity vehicles. The regional government has also set maximum purchase limits for subsidised fuel at SPBUs, namely seven litres of Pertalite per day for two-wheeled vehicles and 45 litres of Pertalite per day for private four-wheeled vehicles. Meanwhile, four-wheeled vehicles using subsidised diesel are limited to a maximum of 40 litres per day, while six-wheeled public transport vehicles may purchase up to 50 litres of diesel per day. Burhanuddin expressed hope that the policy would improve the effectiveness of energy subsidy distribution while maintaining the availability of subsidised fuel for those who truly need it.