PT NIS Responds to Illegal Fuel Transport Case in Central Java
PT Nurfaizah Inti Samudera (NIS) has broken its silence regarding the alleged illegal transport of fuel by the vessel SPOB Nurfaizah 03, which was uncovered by the Indonesian Navy in Central Java.
PT NIS stated that the vessel is under a Time Charter agreement with PT Netra Setiya Santosa (NSS) based on the Time Charter Agreement for SPOB NURFAIZA 03 Diesel Oil Transport Activities, Number 001/SP/NFIS-NSS/VII/2026. Under this agreement, PT NIS acts as the ship owner, while PT NSS acts as the charterer.
“PT NIS is the owner and provider of the vessel. However, based on the charter agreement, there is a clear division of responsibility between the ship owner and the charterer, including matters regarding commercial activities and the legality of the cargo,” said PT NIS legal advisor, Andi Wahyuni, in a written statement on Monday (21/9).
Andi explained that at the start of the charter operations, the vessel was planned to head to Cilegon, Banten. However, during the voyage, PT NSS, as the charterer, subsequently directed the vessel towards Semarang.
Andi noted that this change in destination was not an issue for PT NIS and was part of the execution of the charter activities. He added that the change in destination should be noted as part of the chronology, as the notification was communicated operationally to the crew rather than through an official written notice to PT NIS.
Andi stated that this information could assist authorities in examining the communication flow and instructions provided during the charter period. “What we need to clarify is not the change in destination, but the chronology of instructions during the voyage. We want the entire sequence of events to be viewed holistically and based on facts,” he said.
Andi further revealed that under the agreement, PT NSS, as the charterer, declared that the vessel would be used for the transport and distribution of diesel oil sourced from legitimate origins with valid documentation. The agreement also stipulates the second party’s obligation to ensure the cargo possesses all necessary documents, including proof of origin, ownership, transport, transactions, and required legal permits.
Furthermore, the agreement includes clauses regarding the second party’s responsibility for the legality of the diesel oil or petroleum products being transported. “The charter agreement has regulated the obligations of each party. PT NIS is responsible as the ship owner for vessel-related aspects within its authority, whereas commercial aspects and cargo legality fall under the responsibility of the charterer, as stipulated in the agreement,” said Andi.
Andi emphasised that PT NIS’s status as the ship owner does not automatically make the company the owner of the cargo being transported. “Ship ownership does not inherently mean the owner is the owner of the cargo. Therefore, the position of each party must be viewed based on the legal relationship, documents, and facts found during the investigation,” he added.
PT NIS further asserted that it never issued instructions for SPOB NURFAIZA 03 to engage in any illegal activities. “PT NIS never provided instructions or consent for the vessel to transport illegal fuel. The vessel was chartered under an agreement requiring the diesel cargo to have legitimate sources and documentation,” he stated.
PT NIS expressed its respect for the investigation conducted by the Indonesian Navy and is prepared to provide all necessary documents to clarify the legal relationship and the execution of the charter, including the Time Charter Agreement and other supporting documents in the company’s possession.
“We are interested in ensuring this matter is transparently resolved. Who the cargo owner is, where the fuel originated, who gave the transport instructions, and whether the cargo documents are valid must be proven through the investigation process. PT NIS is ready to provide all information and documents in its possession to the investigators,” Andi concluded.
Previously, the Commander of the Indonesian Navy Fleet Command (Pangkoarmada RI), Rear Admiral Denih Hendrata, explained that the discovery of the alleged illegal fuel transport began following intelligence developments since 14 September 2026. On 15 September 2026, the Navy Ship (KAL) Pulau Menjangan from the Semarang Naval Base conducted an inspection of SPOB Nurfaizah 03, which was sailing from Cilegon, Banten, to Semarang.
The Indonesian-flagged vessel, measuring 634 GT, is owned by PT Nurfaizah Inti Samudera and carries 13 crew members, including a captain with the initials FL.
“From the inspection, it was found that 407 tons of high-speed diesel (HSD) or solar fuel were secured from the vessel’s cargo hold,” said Denih, quoting Detikcom.
In addition to the fuel, discrepancies were found in the vessel’s documentation, including the absence of a Sea Transport Company Business License (SIUPAL) and cargo manifests. Several certificates were also found to be expired, including construction safety, equipment safety, and radio safety certificates. These findings are still being investigated by the Navy.
Denih stated that if the alleged criminal acts are proven, the seized fuel, following the full legal process, is expected to be distributed to local fishermen. He noted that this process would involve relevant agencies, including the Prosecutor’s Office, the National Police, Customs, local government, and other institutions.
“If the alleged illegal fuel activities are proven, it is hoped that the seized evidence, after the legal process, can be distributed free of charge to fishermen through the Indonesian Navy,” he said.