Police Thwart Diversion of 10 Tonnes of Subsidised Fertiliser in Muara Enim, 3 Suspects Arrested
South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel), through the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimsus), has once again demonstrated its firm commitment to safeguarding the distribution of subsidised fertiliser. In a measured operation, officers successfully thwarted a diversion scheme and seized 10 tonnes of illegal subsidised fertiliser in Muara Enim Regency.
The case was uncovered following reports from the public suspecting improper distribution of subsidised fertiliser. Responding swiftly to the information, investigators from Unit 1 Subdit 1 Tipid Indagsi Ditreskrimsus conducted an inquiry and identified the target vehicle.
Director of Special Criminal Investigation at Polda Sumsel, Senior Commissioner Doni Satrya Sembiring, through Deputy Director AKBP Listiyono, explained that the enforcement action took place on Sunday night, 19 April 2026. Officers tailed a white Isuzu truck from Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Regency towards Muara Enim, which was known to be using fake licence plates to deceive authorities.
“During the interception on the Prabumulih-Baturaja main road, officers discovered a load consisting of 180 sacks of Urea fertiliser and 20 sacks of NPK Phonska fertiliser, totalling approximately 10 tonnes. The truck driver, initials I.W.S (51), who is a recidivist in a similar case, could not produce valid transport documents or proof of being an authorised recipient,” Listiyono stated.
The investigation did not stop with the driver; it extended to the suppliers. Investigators arrested two other suspects in the OKU area: H.T (39), the kiosk owner, and R.M.U (23), the administrator. Both are strongly suspected of deliberately selling subsidised fertiliser above the highest retail price (HET) to unauthorised parties for personal profit.
Deputy Head of Indagsi Subdit Ditreskrimsus Polda Sumsel, AKBP Khoiril Akbar, emphasised that this practice is a serious crime that harms farmers, the primary targets of the government’s subsidy programme.
In this operation, authorities seized several pieces of evidence, including 10 tonnes of subsidised fertiliser (Urea and NPK Phonska), one Isuzu truck along with vehicle documents, bank transaction proofs, and three mobile phones belonging to the suspects.
Currently, the three suspects are detained at Polda Sumsel headquarters for further legal proceedings. The perpetrators will be charged under Article 110 in conjunction with Article 36 and Article 35 of Law No. 7 of 2014 on Trade, as well as related provisions in the new Criminal Code. They face a maximum prison sentence of five years and fines up to Rp 5 billion.