Sub-district Head Proposes Petrol Station in Amfoang to Address Fuel Shortages
The Camat of Amfoang Utara, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), held a dialogue with PT Pertamina Sales Area Retail NTT on Wednesday (13/5/2026). In the meeting, Hendra proposed the construction of a petrol station in the coastal Amfoang area, specifically Amfoang Barat Daya, Amfoang Barat Laut, Amfoang Utara, and Amfoang Timur.
“I proposed the construction of a petrol station in the coastal Amfoang region as a solution to address the fuel shortages, since there is currently no petrol station service,” said Hendra when met by detikBali on Wednesday.
According to Hendra, not only is fuel scarce, but when supplies are available, it is sold at high prices: Pertalite at Rp 15,000 per litre, Solar at Rp 12,000, Pertamax at Rp 17,000, and kerosene ranging from Rp 15,000 to Rp 20,000 per large mineral water bottle.
Hendra stated that based on the coordination, Pertamina has assured that fuel stocks for the Amfoang region are available and sufficient to meet needs. However, the issue is the lack of petrol station construction, which is hindered by transportation problems.
“This means Pertamina has the responsibility to deliver fuel to each petrol station, but it is constrained by damaged roads and broken bridges,” explained Hendra.
Additionally, Hendra mentioned that one solution to meet Amfoang’s fuel needs is through the single-price fuel programme. However, this must be proposed by Kupang Regency Government (Pemkab) to BPH Migas.
The single-price fuel is seen as a long-term solution for building a petrol station planned in Afoan Village, Amfoang Utara Sub-district, because it is close to Naikliu Port and the land has already been provided.
“Hopefully, this can be resolved as a solution for the Amfoang community. The construction of a single-price fuel petrol station must also be based on a proposal from the Kupang Regency Regional Government. This is still in the coordination stage with the Regent of Kupang for follow-up,” clarified Hendra.
On another note, Hendra highlighted the fuel crackdown carried out by police in Kupang City on Monday (11/5/2026) in the early hours, which involved fuel loaded onto a bus heading to Amfoang.
This resulted in massive fuel shortages because all the seized fuel belonged to farmers for threshing rice. Hendra does not dispute the law enforcement, as it is the police’s duty to prevent hoarding.
However, he requested that the humanitarian aspect be prioritised. Because the Amfoang community greatly needs fuel for agricultural and fishing activities.
“Since subsidised fuel can only be obtained using a special QR code for registered farmers and fishermen by the relevant agencies,” said Hendra.
He explained that according to Pertamina’s advice, the fuel that can be used by the Amfoang community is non-subsidised fuel. However, this faces obstacles in delivery or distribution due to severely damaged road conditions.
On the other hand, it could be distributed via sea routes, but it still requires coordination and recommendations from Pemkab Kupang for the use of transport vessels.
“Therefore, we are still awaiting directions to propose the use of sea route transport,” stated Hendra.
Meanwhile, Area Manager for Communication, Relations & CSR Jatimbalinus, Ahad Rahedi, said that Pertamina strongly supports the proposal to add petrol stations in all areas. However, there must be investors, either from regional-owned enterprises (BUMD) or the private sector. Conversely, applications for petrol station construction must also be based on proposals from local governments through BUMD or private entities in the area.
“Because the petrol station operators will be Pertamina’s partners. We are open to adding as many distributors as possible. We support and welcome the proposal to ensure equitable access and expand distribution institutions. In short, we strongly support it,” explained Ahad when confirmed by detikBali on Thursday (14/5/2026).
It was previously reported that residents of the Amfoang area in Kupang Regency complained about Pertalite shortages that have occurred since last week. The situation has impacted agricultural activities to students’ learning.
One resident, Victor Imanuel Manoh, said the fuel shortage makes it difficult for farmers to thresh rice using machines after the harvest season.
“There is no more Pertalite here. We who have finished harvesting also cannot thresh the rice. The government must take responsibility,” said Victor when contacted by detikBali on Tuesday (12/5/2026).
In addition, Victor stated that students and residents travelling to school and gardens are also constrained. Even some students chose not to attend school due to the shortages.