JAMBI | INDATANEWS.COM – The Jambi Provincial Police have named the director of PT ASR Petrolin Energi, identified by the initials MDG, as a suspect in an alleged criminal case involving consumer protection violations and breaches of oil and gas (Migas) regulations. The investigation was uncovered following a probe into a fire that occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the parking area and office premises of PT ASR Petrolin Energi, located in Lorong Gado-Gado, Suka Karya Urban Village, Kotabaru District, Jambi City.
The Jambi Police Public Relations Division (Bidhumas) revealed the latest development in the investigation during a press conference held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Jambi Police Headquarters.
The press conference was led by Head of Jambi Police Public Relations Division Police Commissioner Erlan Munaji, S.I.K., M.Si. Also present were Director of the Jambi Police Special Criminal Investigation Directorate Police Commissioner Taufik Nurmandia and Head of the Special Crimes Sub-Directorate Police Commissioner Hadi Handoko.
Erlan Munaji stated that the investigation into the case reflected the police's commitment to cracking down on all forms of legal violations within the energy sector.
According to him, illegal activities involving the distribution and trading of fuel not only cause losses to the state but also pose potential risks to public safety.
"This case was uncovered through an investigation into the fire incident at the parking area and office of PT ASR Petrolin Energi in Lorong Gado-Gado, Suka Karya Urban Village, Kotabaru District, Jambi City, on May 15, 2026," Erlan Munaji said.
OIL AND GAS SECTOR VIOLATION: Head of Jambi Police Public Relations Division Police Commissioner Erlan Munaji explains that the investigation highlights the police's commitment to combating legal violations in the energy sector that harm the state and endanger the public. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Fire Incident Uncovers Illegal Diesel Distribution
Investigators initially conducted the investigation by collecting witness statements and securing evidence from the fire location. The findings later indicated suspected activities involving the distribution of illegally processed diesel fuel.
The investigation revealed that the fire occurred while workers were transferring diesel fuel from a modified tank truck into the company's official fuel tanker, an activity known as fuel over-transfer. The process involved the use of a Robin pump to move the fuel.
During the transfer process, approximately 1,000 liters of diesel had already been moved. A spark then emerged from the pump equipment being used, causing the fire to spread rapidly to the fuel at the location.
These findings prompted investigators to expand the case and examine allegations involving the purchase and distribution of illegally processed diesel fuel by the company.
Company Director Officially Named Suspect
Based on the investigation results, police officially named MDG, the director of PT ASR Petrolin Energi, as a suspect.
Investigators believe the suspect purchased approximately 6,000 liters of illegally processed diesel fuel from Bayat Village, South Sumatra Province. The fuel was then allegedly distributed using the company's official tanker vehicles.
The suspect designation was made after investigators obtained sufficient evidence of alleged violations of oil and gas regulations as well as consumer protection laws.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to identify possible additional individuals involved in the supply and distribution chain of the illegal fuel.
SEIZURE OF TANKERS AND EVIDENCE: Investigators from the Jambi Police Special Criminal Investigation Directorate secure tanker trucks, fuel transfer equipment, and 6,163 liters of illegally processed oil as evidence in the case. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
Police Secure Thousands of Liters of Fuel and Evidence
During the investigation, police confiscated various pieces of evidence believed to be related to the alleged criminal activity.
The seized evidence included tanker trucks, fuel transfer equipment, and thousands of liters of illegally processed oil allegedly intended for further distribution.
Erlan Munaji emphasized that investigators would handle the case in accordance with applicable legal procedures.
"The investigation found that activities involving the purchase and distribution of illegally processed diesel fuel had taken place. The fuel did not meet the quality and standard requirements established by the government. Investigators have named one person as a suspect and secured evidence in the form of a tanker truck, fuel transfer equipment, and a total of 6,163 liters of illegally processed oil," he said.
Erlan Munaji added that the Jambi Police urged all companies operating in the oil and gas sector to comply with applicable regulations in conducting their business activities. Police will continue to strengthen monitoring and law enforcement efforts against illegal fuel trading and distribution practices, as such activities may harm the state, create unfair competition, and endanger public safety. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala