Teknowarta – JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto has issued a strong directive to eradicate fraudulent practices within the energy sector, specifically targeting the widespread misuse of subsidized fuel (BBM) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
In numerous speeches, Prabowo has repeatedly emphasized the critical need for these essential subsidies to reach their intended recipients—the truly needy members of society. Acting on this mandate, law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to apprehend individuals involved in the illegal diversion and abuse of subsidized fuel and LPG.
According to official data, the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the National Police handled a staggering 755 cases related to the misuse of subsidized fuel and LPG from 2025 to April 2026, underscoring the government’s resolute crackdown.
Breaking down these figures, 2025 saw the police address 658 cases of subsidy misuse, leading to the apprehension of 583 suspects. By April 2026, an additional 97 cases had been processed across various regions of Indonesia, resulting in 89 more suspects being identified.
Irjen Nunung Syaifuddin, Deputy Head of Bareskrim Polri, revealed that the potential state losses stemming from this widespread abuse of subsidized fuel and LPG amount to a colossal Rp1.26 trillion. This significant figure is calculated from Rp516 billion in misused fuel subsidies and Rp749 billion from diverted LPG subsidies.
“These criminal acts of subsidized fuel and LPG misuse have resulted in potential state financial leaks reaching an alarming Rp1,266,160,963,200,” Nunung stated during a press conference at Bhayangkara Field, Jakarta, on Tuesday (April 7, 2026).
A substantial amount of evidence was confiscated by Bareskrim and regional police forces during 2025. This included 1,182,388 liters of subsidized diesel fuel, along with 127,019 liters of Pertalite. Furthermore, authorities seized 17,516 three-kilogram gas cylinders, 516 five-and-a-half-kilogram cylinders, 4,945 twelve-kilogram cylinders, and 422 fifty-kilogram cylinders, in addition to 353 trucks used for transportation.
Continuing into 2026 until April, police operations yielded further significant seizures: 112,663 liters of diesel fuel, 7,096 three-kilogram gas cylinders, 425 five-and-a-half-kilogram cylinders, 3,113 twelve-kilogram cylinders, and 315 fifty-kilogram cylinders, alongside 79 trucks, highlighting the persistent scale of these illicit activities.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse
Brigjen Moh Irhamni, Director of Special Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, unequivocally stated that his agency will show no tolerance for anyone found misusing subsidized fuel or LPG. While Irhamni acknowledged that currently there is no evidence pointing to state officials as perpetrators, with most offenders being private citizens, he assured the public that the crackdown on subsidy abuse will be executed with maximum effort.
“Everything will be wiped out, as mentioned by the Deputy Head of Bareskrim. If you dare, we will take action,” Irhamni asserted during the press conference, emphasizing the severity of the police’s stance. He also confirmed that any police personnel found complicit in such activities would face indiscriminate action.
In parallel, First Marshal (Marsma) Bambang Suseno, Deputy Commander of the Indonesian Military Police Center (Puspom TNI), affirmed that the military is also actively combating subsidy abuse within its ranks. He cited two soldiers currently under investigation in Central Java and Bekasi for alleged involvement in these criminal practices.
Bambang further underscored that Puspom TNI will not protect any military personnel implicated in criminal acts. He urged anyone with information regarding the misuse of subsidized fuel to report it directly to Puspom TNI or regional military police commands (Pomdam), ensuring accountability across all sectors.
Seeking a Deterrent Effect
Perpetrators involved in these cases face severe legal consequences under Article 55 of Law No. 22/2001 concerning Oil and Gas, as amended by Article 40 (9) of Law No. 6/2023 regarding the Stipulation of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law No. 2/2022 concerning Job Creation. The charges relate to the alleged misuse of subsidized fuel or LPG trade, carrying a maximum penalty of six years imprisonment and a hefty fine of Rp60 billion.
Furthermore, Danang Tri Hartono, Deputy for Analysis and Examination at the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), highlighted that applying money laundering provisions could serve as a powerful deterrent. He explained that PPATK can assist in uncovering financial flows and tracing assets belonging to perpetrators and their networks involved in subsidized fuel and LPG misuse, potentially escalating these cases into money laundering investigations.
“This approach aims to create a deterrent effect for offenders and maximize asset forfeiture, thereby recovering state losses,” Danang emphasized, underscoring the comprehensive strategy to combat these financial crimes.
Strengthening the Supply Chain
Eko Ricky, Retail Marketing Director of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga (PPN), affirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring the precise distribution of subsidized fuel and LPG to their intended beneficiaries. He elaborated that PPN maintains strict oversight over its distribution processes and partners to safeguard the supply of these critical commodities. Any partner found in violation of regulations will face legal action in accordance with applicable laws.
Beyond external oversight, Eko also stated that the company would impose severe sanctions on any employees found involved in the criminal misuse of subsidies. “Pertamina Patra Niaga will enforce strict penalties, ranging from disciplinary action to the termination of business relationships, in line with prevailing regulations,” Eko declared at the Bhayangkara Field press conference.
He further urged the public to play an active role in this effort. The company has established clear channels for reporting suspected misuse of subsidized fuel and LPG, either through law enforcement agencies or Pertamina’s official Pertamina Call Center 135, fostering a collective approach to tackle this issue effectively.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto telah mengarahkan pemberantasan penyalahgunaan BBM dan LPG bersubsidi, menegaskan bahwa subsidi harus sampai kepada mereka yang benar-benar membutuhkan. Sebagai respons, Bareskrim Polri menangani 755 kasus dan menahan 672 tersangka terkait penyalahgunaan subsidi dari tahun 2025 hingga April 2026. Praktik ilegal ini diperkirakan menyebabkan potensi kerugian negara mencapai Rp1,26 triliun, dengan sejumlah besar BBM dan tabung LPG berhasil disita.
Pihak berwenang, termasuk Bareskrim dan Puspom TNI, menerapkan nol toleransi terhadap pelanggaran ini, dengan ancaman hukuman hingga enam tahun penjara dan denda Rp60 miliar. PPATK menyarankan penerapan ketentuan pencucian uang untuk efek jera dan pemulihan aset. PT Pertamina Patra Niaga juga berkomitmen pada distribusi yang tepat, memberikan sanksi tegas kepada pelaku, dan mengimbau masyarakat untuk melaporkan indikasi penyalahgunaan melalui Pertamina Call Center 135.