DistantNews
Indonesian Police Uncover Syndicate Smuggling Subsidized Diesel in Surabaya
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

Indonesian Police Uncover Syndicate Smuggling Subsidized Diesel in Surabaya

From CNN Indonesia · (5h ago) Indonesian Critical tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Police in Surabaya, Indonesia, have dismantled a smuggling syndicate dealing in subsidized diesel fuel.
  • Approximately 930 liters of diesel were seized, packaged in dozens of jerrycans, intended for industrial operations in Central Kalimantan.
  • The suspect allegedly manipulated barcodes at gas stations to obtain the subsidized fuel, facing potential charges with a maximum sentence of six years imprisonment.

Authorities in Surabaya have successfully cracked down on a sophisticated operation involving the illicit smuggling of subsidized diesel fuel, highlighting ongoing challenges with fuel distribution and regulation in Indonesia. The Directorate of Water and Air Police (Ditpolairud) of the East Java Regional Police seized a significant quantity of fuel—around 930 liters—along with dozens of jerrycans and a truck used in the operation.

Following up on this information, officers immediately conducted a sweep and inspection in the area of Tanjung Perak Port, Jalan Perak Barat, Pabean Cantikan District, Surabaya.

— Kombes Arman Asmara SyarifuddinThe Director of Water and Air Police of the East Java Regional Police detailing the police's response to the public's tip-off.

The syndicate's modus operandi involved manipulating barcodes at gas stations to illegally procure subsidized diesel, which was then siphoned into jerrycans for transport. The destination for this illicit cargo was Central Kalimantan, where it was intended for use in industrial operations, specifically plastic waste processing. This diversion of subsidized fuel, meant for public benefit, deprives legitimate consumers and industries while lining the pockets of smugglers.

The operation was initiated following a tip-off from the public regarding the unauthorized transport of diesel from Blora, Central Java, to Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan. This community intelligence proved crucial in enabling the police to intercept the operation at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya. The prompt action by Ditpolairud underscores the importance of public cooperation in combating economic crimes that harm the state.

The fuel, transferred into jerrycans using a pump and hose, was then sent to Central Kalimantan and used in the plastic waste processing operations of the perpetrator.

— Kombes Arman Asmara SyarifuddinThe police official explaining how the smuggled diesel was intended to be used.

The suspect, identified by the initials NNG, faces severe penalties under Indonesian law, including the Law on Oil and Gas and regulations related to the Job Creation Law. The potential punishment includes up to six years in prison and a fine of up to Rp60 billion. Police are continuing their investigation to determine if other individuals are involved in this inter-island smuggling network, indicating that this may be part of a larger criminal enterprise. The estimated financial loss to the state from this single operation is approximately Rp300 million.

With a maximum prison sentence of six years and a fine of up to Rp60 billion.

— Kombes Arman Asmara SyarifuddinThe potential legal consequences for the suspect involved in the illegal fuel smuggling.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog