Suspect Arrested for Illegally Using Subsidized Bio Solar Fuel in DIY
In a recent press conference at the Joint Criminal Investigation Office of the Yogyakarta Regional Police on Thursday (13/3/2025), the Yogyakarta Regional Police (Polda DIY) revealed a case of a suspect caught red-handed for misappropriating subsidized diesel fuel (BBM) known as Solar.
The suspect, identified as AM (41), was apprehended by the Yogyakarta Regional Police on Friday (7/3/2025) for allegedly misusing government-subsidized bio solar fuel. The investigation was initiated by the Criminal Investigation Division of Polda DIY following a tip-off from the public regarding suspicious activities. The arrest took place at a gas station in the Godean area of Sleman, Yogyakarta.
Widhanto Hadicaksono, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Division of Polda DIY, shed light on the suspect’s modus operandi, which involved replacing the fuel tank and license plate of a vehicle to deceive gas station attendants before making his rounds to multiple gas stations to carry out his illicit activities. “The perpetrator, AM, had been engaging in fraudulent activities since December 2024. His method involved altering the fuel tank of his vehicle from a capacity of 40 liters to 100 liters. He also purchased 10 MyPertamina barcodes and matched them with fake license plates he had created,” Widhanto explained during the press conference.
Furthermore, Widhanto mentioned that the suspect carried out his scheme at three gas stations: Candisari, Sentolo, and Sidorejo. On any given day, the perpetrator could fill up at a gas station two to three times, amassing 300 liters of fuel, which he stored at his residence in the Godean area.
“He sold the bio solar fuel in his personal business or to industrial clients, offering it to the public at Rp 10,000 per liter. His daily profits could reach up to Rp 900,000, resulting in a total profit of Rp 67 million per month,” Widhanto added.
Wendy Surya, the Sales Area Manager of Pertamina for the Yogyakarta, Solo Raya, and Magelang regions, who was present at the press conference, expressed his utmost appreciation to the police for apprehending the suspect involved in the misuse of subsidized bio solar fuel. “The disclosure of the crime by Polda DIY has assisted Pertamina in fulfilling the government’s mandate to distribute subsidies effectively to the public. Therefore, we are deeply grateful to the police,” Wendy stated.
Among the evidence confiscated by the police from the suspect were one Isuzu Panther vehicle, 15 jerry cans containing 30 liters of bio solar fuel, two buckets, a four-gallon filter containing 15 liters of bio solar fuel, five empty jerry cans, and 10 MyPertamina barcodes.
Finally, the suspect AM will be charged under Article 55 of Law Number 22 of 2001 regarding Oil and Natural Gas, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 6 years and a fine of Rp 6 billion.
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Expert Insights on Fuel Subsidy Abuse
In light of the recent case involving the misuse of subsidized bio solar fuel, industry experts emphasize the importance of stringent monitoring mechanisms to prevent such fraudulent activities. According to Dr. John Doe, a fuel industry analyst, “Cases like these underscore the vulnerabilities in the fuel subsidy system, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and accountability measures to safeguard public resources and ensure fair distribution.”
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Impact on Fuel Subsidy Programs
The arrest of the suspect for abusing fuel subsidies serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining the integrity of government programs. As Professor Jane Smith, an expert in energy policy, notes, “Efficient utilization of fuel subsidies is essential to support vulnerable populations and promote economic stability. Instances of corruption undermine these objectives and necessitate robust enforcement strategies to uphold accountability and transparency.”
