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| South Kalimantan Police formed a security task force at gas stations to prevent subsidized fuel misuse following protests by truck drivers in Banjarbaru. (Illustration image) |
South Kalimantan Police on Wednesday formed a Security Reinforcement Task Force to prevent the illegal distribution of subsidized fuel at gas stations in Banjarbaru. The move followed protests by hundreds of truck drivers over difficulties obtaining subsidized diesel fuel.
South Kalimantan Police Head of Operations Sr. Comr. Eko Irianto said the task force was deployed to maintain security and ensure orderly vehicle queues at gas stations while taking action against fuel smuggling practices.
“This task force is stationed at gas stations to ensure security, maintain smooth vehicle queues, and crack down on illegal fuel distribution,” Eko said while meeting protesters outside the South Kalimantan Governor’s Office.
Eko stated that he personally led the task force alongside regional government officials and the Indonesian Military (TNI). He also urged the public, especially truck drivers, to report any acts of thuggery or suspected hoarding of subsidized fuel.
According to him, reports regarding warehouses allegedly used to stockpile subsidized diesel would be followed up immediately by authorities.
“I have instructed all police chiefs in their respective regions to ensure there are no illegal practices at gas stations. If any officers are found involved, the Internal Affairs Division will step in,” he said.
Eko represented South Kalimantan Police Chief Insp. Gen. Rosyanto Yudha Hermawan, who is currently on duty in Jakarta, in meeting the protesters. During the demonstration, the truck drivers urged both the regional government and police to ensure stable diesel fuel distribution.
The drivers complained about difficulties obtaining subsidized diesel at several gas stations. They also called on authorities to eliminate alleged fuel misuse that they said has disrupted freight transportation operations.
South Kalimantan Provincial Secretary Muhammad Syarifuddin said the regional government would immediately coordinate with all related parties to resolve the issue surrounding subsidized fuel distribution.
“None of us wants to see misuse of subsidized fuel because it is the people’s right to access it,” Syarifuddin said.
Authorities have now tightened supervision at gas stations in an effort to ensure subsidized diesel distribution reaches eligible users and to reduce long vehicle queues.
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