DPR Calls for Tighter Oversight of Subsidized Fuel; Rogue Gas Stations Must Be Sanctioned

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) calls for stricter oversight of subsidized fuel distribution to prevent misuse in the field.

Supervision must be conducted collaboratively by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), BPH Migas, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, local governments, and law enforcement agencies.

Deputy Chair of the Golkar Faction in DPR RI, Bambang Patijaya, emphasized that the abuse of subsidized fuel such as Pertalite and Biosolar, involving gas stations and other parties, must be firmly addressed.

KOMPAS.COM/PARTAHI FERNANDO WILBERT SIRAIT Chair of DPR RI Commission XII, Bambang Patijaya, giving a statement regarding the arrival of the oil and gas special committee team at the Kabil industrial area, Thursday (5/2/2026)

"Subsidized fuel is the state's effort to maintain the purchasing power of the people. Since it uses state funds, its distribution must be safeguarded by all of us. If any gas station or party is proven to misuse the subsidy, they must be strictly sanctioned according to applicable regulations," he said in a written statement on Friday (18/9/2026).

Bambang noted that practices such as hoarding, reselling, or using subsidized fuel for unintended purposes must be a key focus of supervision.

He explained that such abuses reduce the rights of the people who genuinely need subsidized fuel.

"The Ministry of ESDM, BPH Migas, Pertamina Patra Niaga, local governments, and law enforcement agencies need to strengthen coordination in overseeing the field," he added.

Besides enhancing supervision, Bambang urged the government to continue improving data accuracy and the distribution system for subsidized fuel.

He believes targeting the subsidy accurately is increasingly essential amid government efforts to protect public purchasing power and secure energy needs.

KOMPAS.com/FATHAN Illustration of subsidized fuel noncompliance at a gas station

However, Bambang reminded that refining distribution mechanisms should not make it harder for those truly entitled to subsidized fuel to access it.

"The principle is simple: don’t make it difficult for those who qualify, and encourage those who don’t to become more aware," said the legislator from the Bangka Belitung electoral district.

On another note, he invited economically capable members of society to use non-subsidized fuel.

He argued that this approach would create more space for those who truly need the subsidy.

"In the current situation, we need to foster mutual respect or the spirit of tepo seliro. For those who can afford it, please use non-subsidized fuel. This way, we free up more resources for our brothers and sisters who genuinely need the subsidy," Bambang said.

He hopes that tighter supervision, firm action against violations, and data improvements will make the distribution of Pertalite and Biosolar more precise.

"If supervision is effective, violations are sanctioned, data is more accurate, and the capable demonstrate empathy, I am optimistic that subsidized fuel will be more targeted and truly benefit those in need," he concluded.