ACEH BARAT | INDATANEWS.COM - Police in Aceh Barat Regency seized 1,650 litres of subsidised diesel from a storage site in Pematang Hamlet, Meureubo Village, Meureubo District, Aceh Barat Regency, on Monday, 26 October 2026. During the operation, officers arrested a 41-year-old man identified by the initial S, who is suspected of transporting and/or trading subsidised fuel without the required authorisation.
The Criminal Investigation Unit of the
Aceh Barat Police uncovered the case after receiving information from members of the public about suspicious activities potentially linked to the misuse of subsidised fuel. Officers from the unit responsible for specific criminal offences (Tipidter) subsequently launched an investigation to verify the activities taking place at the suspected storage site.
Aceh Barat Police Chief AKBP Agus Sulistianto, S.H., S.I.K., speaking through the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit, AKP Deno Wahyudi, S.E., M.Si., said information from the public had provided the starting point for uncovering the suspected misuse of government-subsidised fuel.
"After receiving this information, officers from the Tipidter unit of the Criminal Investigation Unit immediately went to the site to conduct an investigation," AKP Deno said at
Aceh Barat Police Headquarters on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
Police Discover 55 Containers of Diesel
During the investigation, officers visited the suspected storage site at approximately 4.30 pm Western Indonesian Time on Monday, 26 October 2026. There, they discovered dozens of containers holding
subsidised diesel, which was suspected to be connected with unauthorised transportation or trading activities.
The officers subsequently examined the documents relating to the storage and transportation of the fuel. They asked S to produce official documents or permits authorising his activities involving the transportation and/or trading of subsidised fuel. According to the police, however, the man was unable to present a valid permit during the inspection.
At the site, officers seized 55 containers of diesel with an estimated total volume of 1,650 litres. The confiscated fuel containers are being retained as evidence in the case, which is currently being handled by the Aceh Barat Criminal Investigation Unit.
The quantity seized illustrates the volume of fuel recovered during the operation. Nevertheless, investigators must continue examining the diesel's origin, its intended use, ownership and any possible involvement of other individuals to establish the full circumstances of the case.
AKP DENO WAHYUDI EXPLAINS INVESTIGATION INTO SUSPECTED FUEL MISUSE: Aceh Barat Head of Criminal Investigation Unit AKP Deno Wahyudi explains that police followed up information from members of the public before discovering dozens of containers of
subsidised diesel. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Storage Site Sealed Off by Police
Following the operation, officers cordoned off the suspected storage site with police tape. They also secured all the fuel found at the location to preserve it as evidence for the subsequent legal proceedings.
"The storage site has now been sealed off by the police, and the subsidised fuel, totalling 1,650 litres, has been seized," AKP Deno said.
Securing the site is one of the initial measures taken by police to preserve a location suspected of being connected with a criminal offence. The next steps include examining the evidence and conducting a more detailed assessment of witness statements to establish how the events unfolded and determine the roles of the individuals involved.
Subsidised fuel forms part of the government's policy to support the energy needs of the public and eligible economic sectors. Consequently, the transportation and trading of such fuel must comply with applicable regulations and licensing requirements. Proven misuse of the distribution system can affect supplies for eligible recipients if fuel is diverted in breach of the relevant rules.
Investigators Examine Possible Offences
For further investigation, officers took S and all the seized evidence to Aceh Barat Police Headquarters. Investigators intend to examine the suspect's statements, assess the confiscated items and trace the origin and intended destination of the diesel found at the site.
According to the police, the suspected offence relates to legislation governing oil and natural gas, particularly the unauthorised transportation and/or trading of government-subsidised fuel. The specific provisions that may apply, and whether criminal liability can be established, will depend on the investigation's findings and the evidence gathered during the proceedings.
The handling of this case also forms part of broader efforts to monitor the distribution of subsidised fuel in the region. Information from members of the public can help authorities identify and investigate suspicious activities. However, the investigation and collection of evidence must ensure that any prosecution is based on reliable evidence and applicable legal provisions.
As of the publication of this report, police had taken a man identified by the initial S into custody, seized 55 containers holding approximately 1,650 litres of diesel and sealed off the suspected storage site. Investigators must still establish the fuel's origin, its intended purpose and whether other individuals were involved in the suspected offence.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala