Surge in BBM purchases using jerrycans prompts GAMKI Siantar to demand tighter oversight.

Long queues of vehicles at several public fuel stations (SPBU) in Pematangsiantar city in recent days have sparked concern among the public. The Branch Leadership Council of the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (DPC GAMKI) Pematangsiantar urged the government and authorities to tighten oversight to prevent potential fuel hoarding. Chairman Jon Roi Tua Purba said the situation should not be allowed to drag on as it could disrupt residents’ economic activities and cause unrest. He noted that the growing queues at SPBU are linked to the global energy crisis amid international geopolitical tensions. He referenced a statement by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia that Indonesia is expected to endure only about 20 days if energy distribution is disrupted by the Iran-Israel conflict that could involve the United States, which fueled public anxiety. “We see on the ground that queues at SPBU are increasing. There are even indications of purchases of BBM in large quantities using jerrycans. This condition must be anticipated immediately so it is not exploited by certain parties,” Purba said on Saturday (7/3). He also urged SPBU operators in Pematangsiantar to be more selective in serving BBM purchases, especially those using jerrycans or other containers. In his view, filling BBM with jerrycans should only be allowed for parties with official permits and clear needs. GAMKI also urged law enforcement and related agencies to conduct direct field monitoring to anticipate possible BBM hoarding. On the other hand, local government together with Pertamina were asked to ensure BBM distribution runs normally and transparently to avoid panic. He urged residents not to be swayed into excessive BBM purchases; panic buying, he said, could worsen the situation and cause shortages at the community level. He added that fuel hoarding can violate legal provisions as outlined in Law Number 22 of 2001 on Oil and Gas, which prohibits abuse of transport or commerce of BBM that harms public interests. “Energy is a basic need of the people. Therefore, its distribution must be kept fair and not exploited by individuals seeking to profit amid public panic,” he said. GAMKI said it would continue to monitor developments on the ground. If indications of hoarding or distribution manipulation are found, the organisation said it is ready to report and pursue the issue legally.