Indonesian state-owned oil giant Pertamina is facing a corruption scandal after prosecutors uncovered an alleged fuel adulteration scheme that may have cost the country trillions of rupiah—while reports of tampered fuel continue to pile up at the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) in Jakarta, with hundreds of consumers lodging complaints.
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has arrested seven individuals, including five executives from Pertamina subsidiaries, for allegedly tampering with fuel quality and misleading consumers.
Evidence of Fuel Adulteration
The investigation found that lower-octane gasoline (RON 88 or RON 90) was imported and blended to be sold as Pertamax (RON 92), a premium-grade fuel.
This unauthorized mixing, commonly referred to as “oplosan,” may have resulted in state losses of up to Rp193.7 trillion, according to prosecutors.
Consumer complaints have played a key role in exposing the scandal. Jakarta’s Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) has received over 400 reports from motorists suspecting they were sold lower-quality fuel under false pretenses.
Fuel samples from various stations are now under forensic examination to confirm whether Pertamina’s distribution network was compromised.
Government Crackdown and Public Response
President Prabowo Subianto’s administration has publicly backed the AGO’s probe, signaling a firm stance against corruption.
Meanwhile, Pertamina has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that its fuel products meet national standards set by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Oil and Gas.
Despite these assurances, public trust has taken a hit. Across Indonesia, consumers have voiced frustration, with some calling for boycotts of Pertamina fuel stations. Industry experts warn that this scandal could push motorists toward alternative fuel providers, such as Shell, BP, and Vivo.
Implications for Bali’s Expat Community
For Bali’s expat residents, this controversy raises concerns beyond fuel quality. As Indonesia seeks to maintain investor confidence, corruption cases like this could impact the broader economic climate. Many expats rely on fuel-dependent businesses, from hospitality to transportation, and fluctuating fuel quality or price changes could have ripple effects across the island’s economy.
Legal experts suggest that affected consumers could pursue a class-action lawsuit against Pertamina, though such legal actions remain rare in Indonesia’s judicial system.
What’s Next?
The AGO continues to gather evidence, and trials for the accused are expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, Pertamina has pledged to improve transparency in its supply chain and ensure stricter quality control measures. Whether these efforts will be enough to restore public confidence remains to be seen.
