Nabire Regency Continues Odd-Even Plate Rule for Subsidised Fuel Despite Controversy

The Nabire Regency Government in Central Papua Province is continuing to enforce an odd-even number plate system for vehicles purchasing subsidised fuel at petrol stations, despite the policy sparking controversy among residents. Deputy Regent Burhanuddin Pawennari stated on Sunday that the crackdown on subsidised fuel, based on Regent’s Circular Number 500.10.1/1061/Sek Year 2026 effective since 19 June 2026, has yielded positive results, particularly in reducing vehicle queues at filling stations. “One of the points in the Regent’s Circular is the implementation of an odd-even system for vehicles filling up with subsidised fuel since 19 June 2026. Now it is starting to show results, queues of motorcycles, cars and trucks at petrol stations have significantly decreased,” he said. He noted that the long queues around petrol stations had not only disrupted traffic flow but also increased the risk of accidents as vehicles crowded the roadways. Despite the smooth implementation, the local government will conduct monthly evaluations of the supervision and purchase restriction policy. The policy has drawn mixed reactions, with motorcycle taxi drivers complaining that the odd-even system hampers their daily operations due to their high fuel consumption needs. “There are indeed pros and cons. Every government policy will receive different responses, so we will continue to evaluate it,” he added. He explained that the main objective of the policy is to ensure that subsidised fuel is received by those who are entitled to it and to prevent misuse in its distribution. “The essence is that the Regent of Nabire remains firm that the circular remains in effect so that subsidised fuel is enjoyed by the people who are entitled to it,” he said. In addition to continuing the odd-even plate system, the local government will soon crack down on fuel sales by Pertamini outlets or street-side retailers. The enforcement will include checking business legality and supervising the standard of fuel measurements sold to the public. He stressed that Pertamini or retail fuel sellers are only permitted to trade non-subsidised fuel, such as Pertamax. This rule is stipulated in Article 55 of Law Number 22/2001 on Oil and Gas, where the misuse of transporting and/or selling subsidised fuel is subject to criminal sanctions. He added that the circular also stipulates that vehicles with out-of-area number plates are still not allowed to purchase subsidised fuel in Nabire. Vehicle owners wishing to obtain this right are required to first re-register their vehicles with Central Papua plates in accordance with applicable regulations. He expressed hope that the enforcement of this policy would create a more orderly distribution of subsidised fuel, reduce queues at petrol stations, and ensure that energy subsidies are precisely targeted to the people who need them.