South Sumatra Police Bust Subsidised Fuel Mafia in Musi Rawas, 12 Perpetrators Arrested
South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) uncovered a syndicate of fuel mafia engaging in the diversion of subsidised fuel oil (BBM) in Musi Rawas Regency. A total of 12 perpetrators were arrested.
In a catch-the-act operation (OTT) on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, police raided an illegal warehouse on the Lubuk Linggau-Sorolangun road. The 12 suspects were caught red-handed in the midst of transferring and adulterating subsidised BBM and were immediately apprehended without resistance.
This revelation is a swift response by Polda Sumsel to public grievances regarding fuel shortages amid the dynamics of national energy prices. The team from Unit 2 of Subdit IV Tipidter Ditreskrimsus, led directly by the Head of Subdit IV, moved to map and firmly address these illegal practices.
The syndicate operated using the ‘urinating on the road’ modus operandi. The perpetrators illegally siphoned and reduced the load of BBM from tanker trucks that were originally allocated for the public through official petrol stations.
The stolen subsidised BBM was then stored in the illegal warehouse and is strongly suspected of being mixed with distilled oil before being resold at high prices for personal profit.
From the raid site, officers secured 12 suspects with various roles in the network, from tanker drivers and warehouse managers to field workers. Police also confiscated vital evidence, including one BBM transport tanker truck, dozens of tedmon (water tanks) containing illegal BBM, operational equipment such as hoses and suction pumps, and five operational vehicles belonging to the syndicate.
Director of Special Criminal Investigation at Polda Sumsel, Senior Commissioner Doni Satrya Sembiring, emphasised that this operation is a tangible manifestation of the state’s presence in eradicating the energy mafia that burdens the people.
“We will not allow mafia practices that harm the state and the public to continue. The diversion of subsidised BBM, especially amid current price increases, is a serious crime that dances on the suffering of the people. We act decisively without favour!” said Senior Commissioner Doni to reporters on Thursday (23/4/2026).
Senior Commissioner Doni explained that this dirty practice of stealing allocations is the root cause of BBM shortages at the petrol station level, severely disrupting the economic stability of the lower classes.
In agreement, Head of Public Relations at Polda South Sumatra, Senior Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, confirmed that all suspects have now been placed in detention and are undergoing intensive examinations to uncover a larger network.
“Polda Sumsel stands firmly in support of government policies to maintain national economic stability. We guarantee the security of energy distribution and urge the public not to hesitate to report to the nearest police if they find suspicious activities or warehouses related to BBM distribution,” said Senior Commissioner Nandang.
This BBM mafia syndicate is charged with multiple articles under the Oil and Gas Law with maximum prison sentences and very heavy fines. Through uncompromising law enforcement, Polda Sumsel is committed to ensuring that subsidised energy distribution reaches its intended targets and the rights of the public remain protected.