DENPASAR, BALINEWS – Bali Regional Police and their subordinate units have uncovered 18 cases of alleged misuse of government-subsidized fuel, taking action against 21 people and seizing approximately 753 liters of fuel. The enforcement measures followed long queues at several fuel stations across Bali in mid-October 2026.
Director of Special Criminal Investigation at Bali Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Wisnu Prabowo, said the cases involved suspected abuse of subsidized fuel distribution, illegal stockpiling, and the resale of fuel at prices significantly above official rates.
Wisnu made the announcement during a press conference at the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate headquarters on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The event was attended by Deputy Director of Special Criminal Investigation AKBP Chandra C. Kesuma, Operational Guidance Chief AKBP Hadi Saputra, Public Relations Subdivision Head AKBP Rina Isriana Dewi, and criminal investigation officials from police units across Bali.
Wisnu explained that the cases were uncovered through information provided by the public, monitoring of social media and online marketplaces, and direct enforcement operations conducted by the provincial police and local police units.
“While people are having to queue for fuel, we do not want anyone to take personal advantage of the difficulties faced by the public,” Wisnu said.
Police Seize 300 Liters of Subsidized Diesel
One of the cases investigated by Bali Regional Police occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on October 10, 2026. Police apprehended a man identified by the initials IS over the alleged misuse of subsidized diesel fuel in the Gerokgak area of Tabanan.
According to investigators, IS allegedly purchased subsidized diesel using a fuel subsidy barcode and then resold it to make a profit.
Police seized approximately 300 liters of suspected subsidized diesel, a gray metallic Suzuki Carry ST100 with registration number DK 1216 GD and its vehicle registration certificate, 15 jerrycans with a capacity of approximately 35 liters each, and three additional jerrycans with a capacity of approximately 30 liters each.
Investigators also confiscated a vehicle barcode used to purchase subsidized diesel under registration number DK 8187 GC, along with a recommendation letter authorizing the purchase of the fuel.
IS has been charged under Article 55 of Law No. 22 of 2001 on Oil and Natural Gas, as amended by subsequent legislation. The provision carries a maximum prison sentence of six years, along with a fine in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.
Enforcement Measures Based on the Severity of Violations
Deputy Director of Special Criminal Investigation AKBP Chandra C. Kesuma said the handling of each case was determined following examinations and case reviews, taking into account the individuals' roles, the quantity of fuel involved, whether the violations were repeated, and the profits allegedly obtained.
According to Chandra, individuals committing minor violations for the first time will still face enforcement measures. These may include the seizure of evidence, identity registration, a written commitment not to repeat the offense, guidance in coordination with relevant agencies, and administrative sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations.
Individuals in this category are not immediately detained. However, Chandra stressed that the opportunity for guidance would not be extended to repeat offenders.
“This opportunity is given only once. If the person concerned repeats the offense, we will proceed with criminal prosecution,” Chandra said.
Meanwhile, repeat violations involving larger quantities of fuel will be handled according to the individuals' respective roles and the profits allegedly obtained.
Police are also focusing on suspected large-scale stockpiling, the involvement of financiers or organized networks, the misuse of subsidy barcodes and recommendation letters, and possible involvement of individuals within fuel distribution channels.
Chandra emphasized that the different approaches did not constitute preferential treatment. Instead, he said, they were intended to ensure proportionate law enforcement while allowing investigators to concentrate on practices that could cause greater harm to the public.
As part of the guidance process, individuals classified as having committed minor violations have also expressed their willingness to participate in community service activities under police supervision.
Fuel Distribution Monitoring to Be Tightened
Bali Regional Police, in coordination with the Bali provincial government and state-owned energy company Pertamina, will continue monitoring fuel distribution to help restore normal supplies and ensure that subsidized fuel reaches eligible consumers.
Wisnu also praised members of the public who continued to queue peacefully at fuel stations, as well as residents and shop owners who distributed drinking water to people waiting in line amid the prolonged queues.
He urged the public to play an active role in monitoring fuel distribution by reporting suspected abuse, stockpiling, or resale at unreasonable prices to the police.
Bali Regional Police said enforcement efforts would continue in accordance with the severity of each alleged violation and applicable laws, with particular attention to large-scale stockpiling and networks suspected of exploiting the subsidized fuel distribution system.
