BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM – The Barelang Police (Polresta Barelang) have uncovered an illegal distribution scheme involving subsidized Pertalite fuel in Batam, leading to the arrest of two suspects accused of diverting and reselling government-subsidized fuel for profit.
The case was officially presented during a press conference held at the lobby of the
Polresta Barelang headquarters on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The briefing was led by Criminal Investigation Unit Chief Kompol M. Debby Tri Andrestian, accompanied by Police Public Relations Officer AKP Budi Santosa, Tipidter Unit Head Iptu M. Alvin Royantara, Subunit 8 Head Iptu Maryo Sandro Putra Siahaan, and investigators from the Sungai Beduk Police Sector.
Public Reports Trigger Investigation
Read Also: Bengkong Police Arrest Motorcycle Theft Suspect in Batam Housing Complex According to investigators, the operation began after residents reported suspicious activities at a fuel station in Tanjung Riau. The Tipidter unit then conducted surveillance to verify the allegations.
"We received information regarding the alleged illegal resale of subsidized Pertalite fuel," said Iptu M. Alvin Royantara.
On April 30, 2026, at around 06:57 a.m., officers observed a Suzuki Carry pickup truck being filled with multiple jerry cans at the Tanjung Riau gas station. The driver, identified as AA (48), later covered the vehicle's cargo area with a tarpaulin.
ILLEGAL SUBSIDY ABUSE: Barelang Police uncover illegal Pertalite fuel distribution in Batam and arrest two suspects. Hundreds of liters of fuel were seized. (PHOTO: Dalil Harahap)
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Police tracked the vehicle to a residential area in Tanjung Uma, Batu Ampar, where approximately 20 jerry cans of Pertalite were unloaded into a house used as an informal storage site.
Distribution via "Pertamini" Outlets
Read Also: Satlantas Barelang Cracks Down on Loud Exhaust Violations in Batam Further distribution was carried out when AA delivered six additional jerry cans to a second suspect, AS (36), at a workshop in Lubuk Baja. AS allegedly resold the fuel to consumers through a small-scale "Pertamini" fuel station.
Investigators revealed that AA had obtained an official recommendation letter, facilitated through intermediaries for around Rp4 million, allowing access to a monthly quota of up to 25 tons of subsidized Pertalite. However, the fuel was diverted from its intended use and sold illegally with a profit margin of around Rp1,000 per liter. The operation is believed to have been running for approximately one year.
815 Liters of Pertalite SeizedAuthorities confiscated 26 jerry cans containing approximately 815 liters of Pertalite, a Suzuki Carry vehicle used in the operation, and an official recommendation letter issued by the Batam municipal government for fuel transportation.
Read Also: Lubuk Baja Police Respond Quickly to 110 Emergency Call in Batam Both suspects have been charged under Indonesian law related to the misuse of subsidized fuel distribution and face a maximum penalty of six years in prison and fines of up to Rp60 billion.
Kompol M. Debby Tri Andrestian stressed that the police will continue to take firm action against any misuse of subsidized fuel distribution.
"We will strengthen supervision and enforcement to prevent illegal fuel distribution," he said.
The public is urged to report suspicious activities to ensure fair and proper distribution of subsidized fuel in Batam. (IDNC)
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Dalil Harahap | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala