Indonesia steps up oversight of subsidised fuel distribution

Police in Papua, working with the provincial Industry and Trade office, have intensified monitoring of subsidised gasoline and diesel to prevent misuse. Police spokesperson AKP Anugerah Sari Darmawan warned that offenders often use multiple vehicle bar‑codes—sometimes up to six per vehicle—to obtain fuel beyond the allotted quota, and even modify tank capacities. The police highlighted a case in Merauke where a single vehicle used six illegally obtained bar‑codes, and urged residents to report suspected abuse.

Pertamina Patra Niaga’s Sulawesi regional unit is also tightening supervision of fuel stations in Bone Regency. Sales Branch Manager Muhammad Ridho Hasbullah said the company is conducting regular audits and providing guidance to ensure that subsidised fuel reaches the intended consumers and that service quality remains high. Pertamina encourages the public to report irregularities through its contact centre, stressing community participation as essential for transparent and accountable fuel subsidy distribution.