South Sulawesi Police Thwart 820 Kilolitres of Illicit Fuel Smuggling to Kalimantan
South Sulawesi Regional Police (Polda Sulsel) have uncovered a large-scale illicit fuel smuggling network in the Makassar Strait. A total of 820 kilolitres of fuel suspected for supply to Kalimantan’s mining sector was successfully intercepted.
In the coordinated operation, authorities seized two tanker vessels (SPOB and a larger tanker), seven trucks, and pumping equipment. Seven suspects have been identified, with four remaining at large.
The network is suspected of supplying fuel to illegal mining operations in Kalimantan, with a total shipment of 820 kilolitres (equivalent to approximately 8,200 drums of fuel).
Polda Sulsel’s Public Relations Chief, Commissioner Didik Supranoto, revealed the case began with Police Report No. 228 on 26 February. Officers from the Special Criminal Directorate (Ditkrimsus) swiftly acted, intercepting the first link in the chain: 120 kilolitres of fuel being transferred from seven trucks to two SPOB (small) vessels in the Makassar Strait.
“The modus operandi involved collecting fuel from trucks, pumping it into SPOB vessels, and then transferring it to a larger tanker waiting in Kalimantan’s waters,” said Didik on Sunday (31 May).
Police then expanded their investigation. On 18 April, the team identified and seized a 700-kilolitre tanker in Pulang Pisau, Central Kalimantan. However, the situation was critical as the entire fuel load had already been offloaded and allegedly distributed to local mining areas.
“We seized the vessel, but the fuel evidence had already been offloaded in Central Kalimantan,” Didik said.
The tanker was found in a severely damaged state. It is currently being towed by a tugboat from Pulang Pisau to Makassar, expected to arrive on Tuesday (3 June) morning or afternoon. Upon arrival, the vessel and all other evidence will be showcased in an official press release led by the South Sulawesi Police Chief.
To date, seven suspects have been named, with four still at large. Several crew members have been questioned, but the identities of the network’s owners remain under investigation.
Although the 700 kilolitres of fuel has disappeared, police believe all illicit fuel originated from Sulawesi and was destined for Kalimantan’s mining industry, which often uses subsidized or illegal fuel to cut costs.
“Yes, likely for the mines there. But precise details will be provided in the full press release,” Didik concluded. (H-3)