South Sulawesi Police Uncover Smuggling of 120,000 Litres of Subsidised Fuel

The Criminal Investigation Directorate of the South Sulawesi Regional Police has uncovered the smuggling of subsidised biosolar fuel using tankers via sea routes, seizing a total of 120,000 litres (120 kilolitres) of evidence.

South Sulawesi Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Djuhandhani Raharjo Puro, stated that the investigation began when the Directorate, working alongside the Navy (Kodaeral VI), intercepted seven fuel tanker trucks being loaded onto a Self Propelled Oil Barge (SPOB) on 26 February. Further investigations traced the movement of a tanker named MT Bakri I towards Central Kalimantan, suggesting a strong link to a criminal syndicate.

During the operation, authorities secured two SPOB vessels, two water pump engines with 500 metres of hose, the MT Bakti I tanker along with its documentation, and 120 kilolitres of subsidised biosolar fuel.

Seven individuals have been named as suspects, identified by the initials SD, AD, FA, ASY, SG, RN, and RG. Additionally, four others—AD, FA, RN, and MG—have been placed on the Most Wanted list (DPO). Among the suspects, three hold leadership positions in companies, while the others act as buyers or distributors. Specifically, SD serves as the Branch Manager for PT Sri Karya Sukses and PT Sri Karya Lintasindo, AD is the President Director of PT Sri Karya Shipping, and FA is a Commissioner of the same company. ASY acted as a buyer and supplier, SG served as an intermediary, while RN and MG operated as distributors and warehouse owners.

Investigations revealed that the shipment was intended to reach Central Kalimantan in a volume of 700 kilolitres. The recovery process was particularly challenging as the tanker was in disrepair, requiring eight days to travel from the border of South and Central Kalimantan to South Sulawesi, and an additional three days to manually raise the anchor.

The case announcement was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Commander of Kodam XIV/Hasanuddin, the Commander of Kodaeral VI, the Governor of South Sulawesi, the Head of BPH Migas, and the General Manager of Pertamina Regional Sulawesi.