“This is the result of enforcement operations against the misappropriation of subsidized fuel and LPG between April 7 and 20, 2026,” Director of Special Offenses at Polri’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) Brig. Gen. Moh. Irhamni said.
Addressing the press at police headquarters in South Jakarta on Tuesday, he said the crackdown reflects Polri’s commitment to supporting the government in protecting subsidized commodities from illegal activities.
He explained that the 330 suspects were apprehended at 223 locations across multiple provinces from west to east, including Aceh, West Sumatra, Riau, Lampung, Jambi, Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung, Banten, West Java, Central Java, and East Java.
Police also caught alleged perpetrators in Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Maluku, and West Papua.
Elaborating further, Irhamni pointed out that the individuals allegedly violated regulations on subsidized fuel through several modus operandi, including repeated purchases of diesel to stockpile it at certain locations for resale at higher prices.
For the same purpose, other suspects used tanker trucks modified to carry much larger volumes of fuel, he added, noting indications of involvement by certain gas stations.
Pertaining to LPG, he revealed that the suspects transferred the contents of 3-kilogram cylinders into 12- and 50-kilogram containers to be sold at non-subsidized rates.
“The crimes of diverting subsidized fuel and LPG caused state losses amounting to Rp243,069,600,800 (over US$14 million),” he reported.
Those found guilty could face up to six years in prison under Article 55 of Law No. 22 of 2001 on Oil and Natural Gas, as amended by an omnibus law.
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Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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