Indonesia's energy minister urges crackdown on illegal fuel resale amid station queues
Minister Bahlil called on the police chief to prosecute people hoarding subsidized fuel for resale, linking the practice to recent fuel station queues.
Speaking to reporters in Jakarta, Minister Bahlil urged the head of the police (Polri) to bring criminal charges against anyone found hoarding government-subsidized fuel and reselling it at industrial prices, describing the act as a misuse of state subsidies that likely contributed to recent long queues at fuel stations. He highlighted a case in Makassar, South Sulawesi, where vehicle fuel tanks were reportedly modified to increase capacity for stockpiling, though he declined to link that scheme to the viral queues observed in Bali.
State-owned oil firm Pertamina responded by asking the public not to abuse subsidized fuel and confirming steps to normalize distribution across Bali, with its Vice President for Corporate Communication Kitty Andhora noting accelerated deliveries. Residents are encouraged to report suspected misuse through Pertamina’s Contact Center, providing photos and license plates. Under Article 55 of Indonesia’s 2001 Oil and Natural Gas Law, such violations can result in up to six years in prison and fines of up to Rp60 billion (about US$3.3 million). Authorities will continue investigating and releasing details.
Why it matters
Illegal fuel resale threatens subsidy integrity and fuels station shortages for consumers.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage emphasizes the police seizure operation, arrests and penalties, while centrist coverage highlights the energy minister’s call for a crackdown and frames the issue as a misuse of subsidies causing fuel queues.
LEFT
Focuses on law-enforcement action against a fuel-hoarding network, detailing seizures, arrests and legal penalties.
CENTER
Centers on the minister’s demand for criminal charges, portraying the resale as a misuse of state subsidies that fuels station queues.
The left emphasises
- Police seized 753 liters of subsidized diesel and arrested 21 suspects.
- Resale prices reported as high as Rp200,000 per recycled bottle.
- Offenders face prosecution under Article 55 of Law No. 22/2001.
How this story developed
- Oct 13 Bali faces sudden gasoline shortage, causing island-wide traffic jams
- Oct 15 Pertamina’s deployment of extra tanker trucks and 24‑hour terminal operations have reduced fuel queues.
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