GIANYAR, BALI NEWS — As long queues for fuel force residents to wait for hours at gas stations, Indonesian House of Representatives member I Nyoman Parta has joined local volunteers in an effort to help motorists access fuel more efficiently in Gianyar, Bali.
Parta, who represents Bali in the national legislature, worked alongside the Teman Parta community on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to assist motorists facing long queues at several fuel stations across the regency.
The team distributed a total of 1,857 liters of fuel across three locations: Gianyar town, Celuk, and Batubulan. The initiative aimed to help residents obtain fuel amid ongoing supply concerns and lengthy waiting times.
For people who depend on fuel to get to work, run businesses, and carry out their daily activities, the initiative offered practical assistance during a difficult situation.
Parta’s actions also attracted positive reactions from some social media users. Several compared his hands-on approach to that of North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda Laos and West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, who have also attracted public attention for their direct engagement with residents.
One user, Ika Bintang, commented on Parta’s personal Instagram account, @Nyomanparta, in a post cited on Sunday, October 18.
“Udh mirip SM Bu Sherly dan pak KDM turun langsung liat rakyatnya...bakal jadi fans Tyang setelah Bu Sherly dan pak KDM Niki🥰🥰,” the user wrote.
The comment reflected appreciation for public officials who meet residents directly and respond to difficulties on the ground. However, social media reactions represent individual opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the wider public.
1,857 Liters of Fuel Distributed Across Three Locations
Parta, who is from Guwang Village in Sukawati District, teamed up with the Teman Parta community to assist motorists affected by the long queues.
Four Suzuki Carry pickup trucks were deployed to support the fuel purchasing and distribution process.
The team handled 619 jerrycans, each containing three liters of fuel, bringing the total volume to 1,857 liters. The fuel was not distributed free of charge; residents still paid for their purchases.
The distribution was divided among three locations:
Gianyar town: 175 jerrycans, totaling 525 liters.
Celuk: 294 jerrycans, totaling 882 liters.
Batubulan: 150 jerrycans, totaling 450 liters.
“Each jerrycan contains three liters of fuel distributed to motorists waiting in line,” Parta said.
The initiative was intended to help residents gain access to fuel while queues continued at several gas stations. Community members assisted with the operations to help organize the process and serve motorists more efficiently.
Payangan Police Provide Humanitarian Assistance
In Payangan District, officers from the Payangan Police also took steps to assist residents affected by the fuel queues.
At the Melinggih gas station, officers managed traffic and distributed free bottled water to motorcyclists waiting in line.
The operation took place on Saturday, October 17, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. local time. It was led by Payangan Police Chief AKP I Putu Budiartama, S.H., M.H., alongside other officers.
In addition to preventing traffic congestion on the main road, officers helped motorists whose vehicles had broken down after running out of fuel.
Police also coordinated with gas station management to keep queues orderly and urged motorists not to cut in line. Officers delivered these appeals in a persuasive manner to maintain public order and reduce tensions.
The measures were part of efforts to protect road safety and improve conditions for residents waiting to purchase fuel.
Fuel Stocks Differ at Two Payangan Stations
According to monitoring by the Payangan Police at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, fuel availability varied between two stations in the district.
The Semaon gas station was reported to have run out of all fuel stocks, while the Melinggih station still had 7,121 liters of Pertalite, a subsidized gasoline product sold in Indonesia.
Additional supplies of Pertalite and Bio Solar, a subsidized diesel fuel, were expected to arrive on Saturday evening. However, the arrival time remained tentative.
Payangan Police Chief AKP I Putu Budiartama said officers would continue monitoring conditions and managing traffic for as long as queues persisted.
The measures aim to keep the situation safe, orderly, and under control while residents continue seeking fuel.
Direct Engagement as a Response to Community Needs
The fuel queues in Gianyar highlight the importance of coordinated responses to problems affecting people's daily lives.
Parta and the Teman Parta community focused on helping motorists access fuel, while the Payangan Police concentrated on traffic management, public safety, and assistance for people waiting in line.
Their activities represent different forms of on-the-ground support during a period of concern over fuel availability.
Direct engagement allows public officials and authorities to observe residents' difficulties firsthand, from the challenge of obtaining fuel to the effects on transportation, work, and everyday routines.
In such circumstances, leadership involves more than statements or policy announcements. It also requires a willingness to listen to public concerns, understand local needs, and pursue practical responses within one's responsibilities.
As residents continue to await a more stable fuel supply, they hope that distribution will return to normal soon, allowing daily activities, transportation, and local economic activity to proceed with fewer disruptions.
