Singapore ship detained for illegal fuel sales

Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Makassar

A Singapore-flagged vessel, the GN Gallant, was detained early on Friday morning off Selayar for allegedly transporting and selling diesel without official documents.

The cargo ship is now tied up in Pamatata port in Selayar regency while its captain and five crew members, all Indonesians, are questioned by the police.

Selayar Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Bayu Eka Rida Rianto said on Friday that the ship had been detained while pumping diesel to a fishing boat operating in off Selayar.

"We have followed the ship's activities closely over the past few days, and at last we have caught it red-handed selling diesel to a fishing boat here," said Bayu.

Based on their preliminary investigations, the police found that the vessel regularly sold diesel to local fishing boats.

When it was detained on Friday morning, it was carrying 71 tons of diesel.

The diesel was being sold for Rp 600,000 per 200-liter drum, or Rp 3,000 a liter, much more cheaper than the price in Indonesia, which now stands at Rp 4,300 a liter.

The ship's captain, Darwin, admitted that he had bought the diesel in Singapore and was selling it to local Selayar fishermen.