Preventing “Leaking” Subsidized Fuel, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Reminds Sanctions of 6 Years in Prison and Fines of Rp. 60 Billion

JAKARTAKOMPAS.com – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif said the government carried out various evaluations of the distribution of fuel oil (BBM) and LPG so that they were right on target so as to produce efficiencies that could reduce the burden of energy subsidies.

“We will definitely carry out evaluations, and there is no way we will burden the community with such a heavy burden drastically,” said Arifin in a press release, quoted from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources website, Saturday (16/4/2022).

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A number of evaluation efforts were carried out, including validating population data in the Social Welfare Integrated Data (DTKS).

Then, PT Pertamina (Persero) has also carried out the process of digitizing the fuel filling system at gas stations.

In addition, direct supervision and sanctions against misuse of subsidized fuel.

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Sanctions for abusers of subsidized fuel

Arifin explained that during a surprise inspection he conducted some time ago in Kalimantan and Sumatra, there were many irregularities in the distribution of subsidized fuel.

For this reason, community discipline in consuming energy according to their rights is very important.

“From my visit some time ago to the field, it was found that there were many irregularities. If we can correct this, we can save a lot. This is part of our evaluation. sanctions against abusers of subsidized fuel, namely a sentence of six years plus a (fine) of Rp. 60 billion, we will re-socialize this,” said Arifin.

The sanctions are stated in Article 55 of Law Number 22 of 2001 concerning Oil and Gas, as well as Article 94 paragraph (3) of Government Regulation Number 36 of 2004 concerning Downstream Oil and Gas Business Activities.

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How to make the distribution of subsidized fuel right on target

In addition, so that the distribution of subsidized fuel is more targeted to the people who are entitled to it, currently a revision is being made to Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 191 of 2014 concerning the Provision, Distribution, and Retail Selling Price of Oil Fuel.

Arifin said the government continues to make various efforts internally so that the distribution of fuel is right on target so that there is efficiency that can reduce the burden on state finances.

In addition, the public is also encouraged to save energy and build awareness to be able to use energy as effectively as possible.

“Then secondly, externally, we must also be able to appeal to OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) to be able to increase its production quota,” concluded Arifin.

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