Bali Police arrest four for hoarding subsidized fuel

Police in Bali have dismantled a speculative fuel hoarding scheme, arresting four individuals suspected of stockpiling 795 liters of subsidized Pertalite gasoline for illegal resale during recent local distribution shortages, authorities said Monday.

The suspects allegedly manipulated digital procurement systems by using unauthorized QR codes to bypass purchasing limits at petrol stations before reselling the fuel to unauthorized small-scale retailers.

"We arrested four individuals, identified with initials AS, IN, AN, and PS, each having their roles in the case," Denpasar Police Chief Senior Commissioner I Wayan Winaya told reporters.

Investigators disclosed that the group operated for at least a month using 57 stolen or falsified bar codes—partially facilitated by a station operator—to repeatedly fill up a car and motorcycle, generating approximately Rp75 million ($4,800) in revenue.

During a Thursday evening raid, officers seized 795 liters of fuel, 39 physical bar codes, siphoning equipment, vehicles, and cash.

The suspects were selling the rationed fuel in 30-to-35-liter jerrycans to local retailers for up to Rp400,000 each to profit from public supply constraints.

The four face charges under Indonesia's Oil and Gas Law regarding the misuse of subsidized commodities, which carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and fines of up to Rp60 billion.

Police are expanding their investigation alongside state energy firm Pertamina to identify broader networks and apply administrative sanctions against involved fuel stations.

Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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