BADUNG, BALINEWS — The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Badung Police (Satreskrim Polres Badung) has detained a 27-year-old man identified by the initials UN over allegations that he was selling Pertalite fuel online through Facebook Marketplace. The fuel was reportedly offered in 1.5-liter bottles for Rp50,000 each, with transactions conducted using a cash-on-delivery (COD) system.
The man was detained at approximately 11:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Jalan Raya Padang Luwih No. 2B, Dalung Village, North Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali.
The case came to light after police received information from members of the public about suspected fuel sales involving fuel stored in jerrycans and subsequently repackaged for resale.
Based on the investigation, officers suspected UN of conducting fuel trading activities without the required authorization. During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to selling Pertalite to members of the public for financial gain.
Police seized several items believed to be connected to the alleged activity, including 15 liters of Pertalite stored in 10 bottles containing 1.5 liters each, an additional two liters of Pertalite in a jerrycan, Rp1.5 million in cash suspected to be proceeds from sales, a white Samsung S24 FE mobile phone, a black Toyota Avanza bearing registration number N 1151 HH, a water-level hose, and a pair of pliers.
The case is being investigated as a suspected violation involving the misuse of the transportation and/or trading of government-subsidized fuel. The alleged offense falls under Article 55 of Law No. 22 of 2001 on Oil and Natural Gas, as amended by Article 40, point 9, of Law No. 6 of 2023, which enacted Government Regulation in Lieu of Law No. 2 of 2022 on Job Creation into law.
The provision carries a maximum penalty of six years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp60 billion.
According to the police investigation report, officers gathered information from members of the public at Jalan Raya Kapal, Mengwi, Badung Regency, at approximately 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The information concerned suspected fuel sales involving the use of jerrycans to store fuel before it was resold.
The Criminal Investigation Unit subsequently followed up on the information and conducted further inquiries. Investigators allegedly identified activity involving the sale of Pertalite in bottles advertised through Facebook Marketplace.
The fuel was offered online, with buyers and sellers arranging transactions through a COD system. According to the preliminary findings, the fuel was transported using a motor vehicle.
Police later proceeded to the suspected sales location on Jalan Raya Padang Luwih in Dalung, North Kuta. At approximately 11:30 p.m. on October 15, officers detained UN for further questioning.
Pertalite Offered at Rp50,000 per Bottle
During preliminary questioning, UN reportedly admitted to selling Pertalite to the public without authorization in order to make a profit.
The fuel was packaged in 1.5-liter bottles and offered for Rp50,000 per bottle. According to the investigation findings, the sales offers were made through comments or interactions on Facebook Marketplace when prospective buyers expressed a need for fuel.
The COD arrangement allowed buyers and sellers to complete transactions in person after communicating online.
Officers also seized a mobile phone suspected of being used in the sales activity, along with a vehicle believed to be connected to the alleged transportation of the fuel. A water-level hose and a pair of pliers were also taken as evidence.
Investigators are expected to examine the items further to establish their relevance to the alleged offense.
Rp1.5 Million in Cash and 17 Liters of Fuel Seized
During the operation, police seized Rp1.5 million in cash suspected to have come from fuel sales. However, the available investigation information does not specify the number of transactions represented by the money or the period during which the sales allegedly took place.
In total, officers seized 17 liters of Pertalite: 15 liters contained in 10 bottles and another two liters stored in a jerrycan.
A black Toyota Avanza with registration number N 1151 HH and a white Samsung S24 FE mobile phone were also seized. Investigators will examine these items as part of their efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged fuel trading and transportation activities.
According to the preliminary investigation, the suspected motive was economic gain from the sale of Pertalite.
Faces Up to Six Years in Prison and Rp60 Billion Fine
UN is being investigated under Article 55 of Law No. 22 of 2001 on Oil and Natural Gas, as amended by Article 40, point 9, of Law No. 6 of 2023.
The provision establishes penalties for the misuse of the transportation and/or trading of government-subsidized fuel, carrying a maximum prison sentence of six years and a fine of up to Rp60 billion.
Police plan to complete the necessary investigative documentation, question witnesses, and further examine the suspect's statements and the seized evidence.
Further investigation is needed to establish the full sequence of events, the source of the fuel, the legality of the sales activity, and whether the elements of the alleged criminal offense have been met.
Based on the available investigation information, UN remains a suspect in the alleged activity, as described in the police account. Any further determination of legal status and criminal liability must follow the applicable legal procedures.
The case also highlights concerns about the online sale of fuel. Members of the public are encouraged to verify the legality of fuel trading activities and report suspected violations of fuel distribution or trading regulations to the relevant authorities.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the suspect's guilt must be established through the appropriate legal process.
