Friday, 23 October 2026
ACEH TENGAH | INDATANEWS.COM – The Criminal Investigation Unit of the Aceh Tengah Police has arrested two men suspected of misusing subsidised fuel and seized approximately 440 litres of Biosolar diesel. The operation took place in the early hours of Tuesday, 20 October 2026, in Wih Nareh village, Pegasing District, Aceh Tengah Regency.
According to preliminary police findings, one of the men allegedly used a modified Isuzu Panther fitted with three collection drums and a fuel extraction pump to accumulate subsidised diesel through repeated refuelling at a petrol station. The fuel was then allegedly sold to the second man.The case has attracted attention because it points to a suspected method of collecting subsidised fuel using a technically modified vehicle. Such practices can disrupt the proper distribution of subsidised fuel and make it more difficult for eligible consumers to obtain the quantities to which they are entitled.
Investigators began pursuing the case after receiving information from members of the public about the suspected illegal storage of subsidised fuel. Officers from the Aceh Tengah Criminal Investigation Unit's specialist crime team, together with other police personnel, subsequently carried out the operation at approximately 2.30 am local time.During the operation, officers arrested two men: MN, 37, from Pegasing District in Aceh Tengah Regency, and R, 33, from Muara Batu District in North Aceh Regency.
Police seized approximately 440 litres of Biosolar diesel. The fuel was stored in six jerrycans, one drum and another container that was approximately half full.The investigation forms part of the Indonesian National Police's efforts to tackle the suspected misuse of subsidised fuel distribution. It is also linked to Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto's programme to combat illegal fuel trading and support an orderly, lawful energy supply system.
Following preliminary questioning, police suspect that MN accumulated Biosolar diesel through repeated refuelling at the Tansaril petrol station. He allegedly used a modified Isuzu Panther equipped with three collection drums and a fuel extraction pump.
The vehicle's technical modifications may have made it easier to collect certain quantities of fuel before transferring the diesel into separate containers. Based on the current findings, MN is also suspected of subsequently selling the accumulated fuel to R.Investigators must now establish further details, including the source of the diesel, the pattern of repeated refuelling, the purpose of its storage and any possible business relationships between the two men. All allegations must be assessed against the evidence gathered during the investigation and in accordance with the applicable legal procedures.
The use of a modified vehicle is a significant aspect of the investigation. However, police have yet to establish conclusively how the extraction equipment operated, how frequently the vehicle was refuelled or how much fuel may have been collected during each visit to the petrol station.The arrests followed information provided by members of the public. Residents' willingness to report suspicious activities helped law enforcement officers investigate the suspected misuse of subsidised fuel in Aceh Tengah.
Monitoring the distribution of subsidised fuel is not solely a matter of energy availability; it also concerns the fair and targeted allocation of public resources. Abuse of distribution channels can restrict access for people who are legally entitled to receive subsidised fuel under the applicable regulations.
Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Teguh Siswoyo, through Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Abdul Mufakhir, said the case had been uncovered following a tip-off from the public. He added that the operation demonstrated the police's commitment to monitoring the distribution of subsidised fuel.
"The police, working together with the public, will continue their efforts to prevent the misuse of subsidised fuel so that it is distributed appropriately and reaches the people who are entitled to receive it," he said.The statement highlights the importance of cooperation between the police and the public in monitoring the subsidised energy supply. Information about suspicious activities can help officers verify reports and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
Subsidised fuel is part of government measures designed to support people who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. Its purchase, storage and transfer must therefore be monitored to ensure that it is not used for purposes that breach the applicable regulations.In this case, investigators must determine how the two men obtained and stored the Biosolar diesel and whether their actions constitute criminal offences. Further inquiries will also establish whether other individuals were involved in the suspected activities.
Consistent enforcement against suspected violations of subsidised fuel regulations is intended to strengthen oversight of energy distribution. However, the criminal liability of those involved must be established through evidence and due legal process, rather than inferred solely from initial suspicions.
The investigation into the suspected misuse of Biosolar diesel came one day after the Aceh Tengah Criminal Investigation Unit handled another case involving subsidised fuel.
On Monday, 19 October 2026, officers arrested a 54-year-old man identified by the initial S from Kebayakan District in Aceh Tengah Regency. In that case, police seized 205 litres of Pertalite petrol allegedly linked to the misuse of subsidised fuel.Through the two operations on 19 and 20 October 2026, Aceh Tengah Police have handled two suspected cases involving the misuse of subsidised fuel, with three men implicated in total. The evidence recorded so far comprises approximately 440 litres of Biosolar diesel and 205 litres of Pertalite.
All three men are subject to further legal proceedings in connection with their respective cases. Police must continue investigating the individual circumstances to establish each man's role, the origin of the fuel and any potential breaches of the law associated with the seized evidence.Aceh Tengah Police have urged members of the public to report suspected illegal storage or other forms of subsidised fuel abuse to the authorities. Residents are encouraged to provide relevant information so that officers can assess it under the applicable legislation and take appropriate action.
The cases demonstrate that effective oversight of fuel distribution requires the involvement of both the authorities and the public. Through consistent monitoring, police aim to ensure that subsidised energy is distributed in an orderly, transparent and targeted manner, reaching those who are entitled to receive it. (IDNC)REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
