Police Uncover 568 Cases of Subsidised Fuel and LPG Misuse Across 33 Provinces

The Directorate of Specific Economic Crimes (Tipidter) of the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) has revealed large-scale practices of subsidised BBM and LPG misuse throughout 2025. In total, there were 568 cases with 583 suspects spread across 33 provinces.

Director of Tipidter Bareskrim Polri, Brigadier General (Brigjen) Moh. Irhamni, stated that this revelation is the result of joint operations between Bareskrim and police regional commands (Polda) across Indonesia.

“Throughout 2025, we uncovered 568 crime scenes with 583 suspects in cases of subsidised BBM and LPG misuse,” said Irhamni during a press conference on Tuesday (7/4).

These cases were found in nearly all regions, from Sumatra to Papua. Several areas with high detection rates include South Sumatra, Jambi, West Sumatra, and East Java.

Irhamni emphasised that the scale and patterns discovered indicate that energy subsidy misuse is no longer sporadic but has evolved into organised crime.

“This is no longer a local issue. The practices have spread widely and are structured,” he said.

In early 2026, a similar trend continued. Up to April, Polri recorded 97 cases with 89 suspects.

Although the number decreased compared to the previous year, Irhamni assessed that the figure remains significant given the short time period.

“It’s only been four months, but the numbers are still high,” he said.

Polri had previously anticipated the potential increase in such crimes since 2025, particularly due to global energy price rises that widen the gap between subsidised and non-subsidised BBM.

To curb these illegal practices, Bareskrim along with Polda have increased the intensity of law enforcement and oversight of subsidised energy distribution.

Irhamni also appreciated the performance of local apparatus, which he deemed consistent in uncovering cases.

“This is the result of hard work by field personnel who are serious and collaborative,” he said.

Polri affirmed that it will continue to strengthen crackdowns to ensure that the distribution of subsidised BBM and LPG reaches the intended targets and is not misused by unauthorised parties.

Bareskrim Polri uncovers cunning methods of energy subsidy misuse: from modified vehicles, fake number plates to bypass barcodes, to mixing 3 kg LPG cylinders.

Bareskrim Polri has exposed the scandal of subsidised BBM and LPG misuse in the 2025-2026 period, with total state losses reaching Rp1.26 trillion.