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Friday, May 15, 2026

Fake OSS Service Scams Target Public, DPMPTSP Kotim Issues Advisory

DPMPTSP Kotim warns the public to stay alert for scams using the OSS service name to steal money and personal data through illegal methods.
DPMPTSP Kotim warns the public to stay alert for scams using the OSS service name to steal money and personal data through illegal methods.

The Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office (DPMPTSP) of Kotawaringin Timur (Kotim), Central Kalimantan, warned the public on Thursday in Sampit to remain cautious of fraud schemes using the name of the Online Single Submission (OSS) service, following a rise in digital licensing scams.

Head of DPMPTSP Kotim Diana Setiawan said the scams could cause financial losses and threaten the security of people’s personal data.

She explained that irresponsible individuals have been exploiting the OSS name to request money, collect personal information, and illegally offer permit processing services.

“This scheme needs to be watched closely because it can harm the public financially and compromise personal data security,” Diana said.

The warning was distributed through DPMPTSP Kotim’s official website and social media accounts as authorities responded to the growing number of fraud attempts linked to the government’s digital licensing platform.

According to Diana, scammers often take advantage of the public’s limited understanding of the official OSS system, which operates entirely online and through verified channels.

She emphasized that all OSS services are processed through the official system and can be accessed directly by users without unclear third-party intermediaries.

Residents were urged not to trust suspicious text messages, phone calls, or information claiming to come from OSS.

“This issue deserves serious attention, especially because perpetrators exploit the public’s lack of understanding about the official and integrated OSS service system,” she said.

DPMPTSP Kotim also stressed that OSS never requests payments outside official government regulations and does not ask for personal data through private messages or phone calls without proper verification procedures.

The public has been advised not to immediately trust suspicious information and to avoid sharing identity details or important data with unknown parties.

DPMPTSP Kotim encouraged residents to report suspected fraud attempts through the agency’s official information and complaint channels.

People are also urged to verify doubtful information through official DPMPTSP channels or the OSS platform to avoid becoming victims of increasingly sophisticated digital crimes.

Public Reaction Grows Over Heavy Charges Against Nadiem Makarim

Public reaction grows over legal demands against Nadiem Makarim as Metta Dharmasaputra warns the case could affect Indonesia’s young innovators and startup ecosystem.
Public reaction grows over legal demands against Nadiem Makarim as Metta Dharmasaputra warns the case could affect Indonesia’s young innovators and startup ecosystem.

Public debate surrounding legal demands against Nadiem Makarim intensified Friday after Metta Dharmasaputra shared his views through a Facebook post, saying the case had sparked anger among many young Indonesians.

In the post, Metta said prosecutors’ demands against Nadiem could reportedly reach 27 years in prison due to fines and compensation claims totaling Rp 5.7 trillion, an amount he described as impossible to pay.

Metta described Nadiem as a young figure who inspired millions of Indonesians through the creation of Gojek. He said the company helped support millions of livelihoods while transforming public transportation services across the country.

He also highlighted Nadiem’s international recognition over the years. Time magazine once named him among 100 leaders shaping the future, while Bloomberg listed him as one of the world’s most influential innovators.

Metta linked Nadiem’s rise to the wave of Indonesian technology startup founders who emerged in the early 2000s. He mentioned figures such as Tokopedia founder William Tanuwijaya and Bukalapak founder Achmad Zaky as part of the country’s growing digital innovation movement.

The post also recalled Nadiem’s appointment to President Joko Widodo’s cabinet, where he was tasked with accelerating education digitalization during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Public Reaction Grows Over Heavy Charges Against Nadiem Makarim
Public reaction grows over legal demands against Nadiem Makarim as Metta Dharmasaputra warns the case could affect Indonesia’s young innovators and startup ecosystem.

According to Metta, the situation forced the government to move quickly to ensure the national education system could continue operating amid the global health crisis.

He said the recruitment of young professionals and outside consultants was part of efforts to address the enormous challenges facing Indonesia’s education sector at the time.

“Prosecutors must understand that Indonesia has the fourth-largest education system in the world,” Metta wrote, referring to Nadiem’s statement during court proceedings when questioned about involving experts from outside the ministry.

Metta concluded by expressing concern that the case could discourage innovation among Indonesia’s younger generation. He warned that the long-term impact on the country’s startup and technology ecosystem should not be ignored.

With $25 Capital, Sampit Youth Launches Convex Mirror Selfie Photo Service

A young man in Sampit turned the viral convex mirror selfie trend into a creative photo service business that has attracted strong public interest.
A young man in Sampit turned the viral convex mirror selfie trend into a creative photo service business that has attracted strong public interest.

A young man named Jakaria has turned the viral convex mirror selfie trend on social media into a creative photography business in Sampit, Kotawaringin Timur, Central Kalimantan. The service has been operating for the past few days at several crowded public spots across the city.

Jakaria charges Rp5,000 per session for visitors who want to take photos using a convex mirror. During the three-minute session, customers are free to use their own cameras or smartphones.

“I was inspired by social media. I wanted to try something viral that hasn’t existed in Sampit yet,” Jakaria said in Sampit on Thursday.

He targets busy public locations, including Sampit City Park during Car Free Day events, the Nur Mentaya Tunnel tourist area in the afternoon and evening, and other community gathering spots.

According to Jakaria, the convex mirror effect creates unique and aesthetic photos that appeal especially to young people looking for creative social media content.

He said public response has been positive since the business launched. The service attracts more visitors during weekends and nighttime hours when public areas are crowded.

“Thankfully, the response from the community has been very positive. Quite a lot of people have used this service,” he said.

Jakaria explained that the business is still a side job because he continues to work at a shopping center in Sampit. His shift-based schedule allows him to run the photo service outside his regular working hours.

He also revealed that the startup cost for the business was relatively low, totaling around Rp400,000. About Rp200,000 was spent on purchasing the convex mirror online, while additional supplies such as spray paint, stickers, and support poles were bought locally in Sampit.

The trend highlights how social media developments can create productive business opportunities when used creatively and positively, especially for young people seeking innovative ways to earn income.

Passenger Traffic on Tanjung Selor-Tarakan Speedboats Reaches 2,535 During Long Holiday

Speedboat passenger traffic at Kayan II Port in Tanjung Selor surged to 2,535 travelers during the long Ascension Day holiday period in North Kalimantan.
Speedboat passenger traffic at Kayan II Port in Tanjung Selor surged to 2,535 travelers during the long Ascension Day holiday period in North Kalimantan.

The number of speedboat passengers at Kayan II Port in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan, increased significantly over the past three days during the May 12-14, 2026 holiday period. The surge was driven by travelers heading to Tarakan City for the long Ascension Day weekend.

Ariyanto, the duty officer at the Kayan II Port Harbormaster Office, said the increase in passenger traffic began on Tuesday, May 12.

A total of 797 passengers departed for Tarakan using 21 speedboats that day, while 525 passengers arrived at the port on the same number of vessels.

“For departures on May 12, there were 797 passengers with 21 speedboats operating. Arrivals reached 525 passengers with the same number of boats,” Ariyanto said on Thursday.

Passenger numbers continued to rise on Wednesday, May 13, despite only 20 speedboats operating that day.

According to Ariyanto, 821 passengers departed from Tanjung Selor, while 717 passengers arrived from Tarakan.

“There were 821 departing passengers and 717 arrivals, with 20 speedboats in operation,” he said.

The peak of the holiday travel occurred on Thursday, May 14, which coincided with the Ascension Day public holiday. A total of 917 passengers departed from Kayan II Port to Tarakan using 21 speedboats.

Ariyanto explained that only half of the boats returned to Tanjung Selor because several vessels stayed overnight in Tarakan.

“There were 21 speedboats departing today, but only half returned because the boats stayed overnight in Tarakan. Today also marked the peak departure day with 917 passengers,” he said.

In total, 2,535 passengers departed from Kayan II Port between May 12 and May 14, 2026.

The increase in passenger traffic was largely driven by residents taking advantage of the long holiday and collective leave period for vacations and shopping trips to Tarakan.

One traveler, Heriansyah, said he used the holiday break to spend time in Tarakan with family members.

“It’s a long holiday and I also happened to be on leave, so I’m staying in Tarakan for two days for vacation and shopping. I also have family there,” he said.

North Kalimantan Police Prepare 1,024 Free Nutritious Meals for Students in Tanjung Selor

North Kalimantan Police prepare 1,024 free nutritious meals daily for students and teachers at four schools in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan.
North Kalimantan Police prepare 1,024 free nutritious meals daily for students and teachers at four schools in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan.

The North Kalimantan Regional Police (Polda Kaltara) are preparing 1,024 portions of Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) every day for students and educators in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan Regency, on Wednesday. The program currently serves four schools in the area.

North Kalimantan Police Chief Inspector General Djati Wiyoto Abadhy said the beneficiaries include 957 students along with 67 teachers and education staff.

“A total of 1,024 meal portions are distributed, consisting of 957 students and 67 teachers and education personnel from four schools,” Djati said while inspecting the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) at Jalan Bhayangkara, Tanjung Selor.

The schools covered by the program are TK Bhayangkari, TK Agape, SDN 10 Tanjung Selor, and SMPN 07 Tanjung Selor.

Djati said the meal menus have been adjusted to meet children’s nutritional needs under the supervision of nutrition experts from the SPPG unit.

In addition to SPPG management, the program is supported by nutritionists, accountants, and 30 volunteers assisting with daily operations.

Meal distribution is carried out using SPPG operational vehicles to ensure the process runs safely and in an organized manner.

“SPPG Polda Kaltara is part of our commitment to improving children’s nutritional quality and supporting the development of a healthy and competitive young generation in North Kalimantan,” Djati said.

Previously, North Kalimantan Police also began construction of another SPPG facility at the Bulungan Police Headquarters on May 14, 2025, to support the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program in the region.

The facility is being built on a 600-square-meter site with a 400-square-meter building area. It is expected to serve up to 3,500 students and will be managed by the Kemala Bhayangkari Foundation of Polda Kaltara.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by North Kalimantan Chief Prosecutor Amiel Mulandari, representatives from Military Resort Command 092/Maharajalila, North Kalimantan Provincial Secretary Bustan, Bhayangkari officials, and representatives from the provincial Agriculture and Food Security Office.

Are There Any Black MotoGP Riders? Here’s the History and Facts

Black MotoGP riders remain extremely rare in Grand Prix history, with European dominance and the high cost of racing seen as major factors. (Illustration image)
Black MotoGP riders remain extremely rare in Grand Prix history, with European dominance and the high cost of racing seen as major factors. (Illustration image)

MotoGP is widely recognized as the most prestigious motorcycle racing championship in the world, featuring elite riders from different countries and cultures. However, Black riders in the premier MotoGP class remain extremely rare, and very few have become major stars in Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

European riders, particularly from Spain and Italy, have historically dominated MotoGP. Racing culture, early development programs, and strong financial backing are considered some of the main reasons diversity in motorcycle racing has not grown as rapidly as in other global sports.

Motorsport is also known for being an expensive sport. Reaching the MotoGP level usually requires riders to begin competing at a very young age through local, national, and international championships with significant financial support.

That reality gives countries with advanced racing infrastructure a major advantage in producing world-class riders. 

Spain and Italy, for example, have well-established racing academies, junior circuits, and clear development pathways from Moto3 to Moto2 and eventually MotoGP.

In the history of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, Black riders have rarely appeared consistently in the premier class. The situation contrasts sharply with Formula 1, which has global icons such as Lewis Hamilton.

Actor Idris Elba is sometimes mistakenly associated with MotoGP because of his appearances in automotive documentaries and motorsport-related programs. However, Idris Elba has never been a MotoGP rider.

Discussions about diversity in MotoGP continue because the sport remains heavily centered around European talent. 

Still, the championship now includes riders from countries such as Japan, Thailand, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa.

South Africa itself has a notable motorsport history, but most successful Grand Prix riders from the country have come from white communities. 

Economic barriers and limited access to racing opportunities are often cited as key challenges for Black riders trying to reach the top level of motorcycle racing.

In recent years, inclusivity has become a bigger topic across motorsport. The success of Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 is widely seen as an inspiration for young Black athletes interested in entering the racing world.

The rise of social media and international racing academies is also creating more opportunities for talented riders from developing countries. 

As MotoGP continues expanding globally, the possibility of seeing more Black riders in the premier class is becoming increasingly realistic.

Although representation remains limited, motorcycle racing is gradually moving toward a more inclusive future. 

Better infrastructure, development programs, and sponsorship opportunities will play a major role in creating greater diversity in MotoGP over the coming years.

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Prabowo Urged to Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining in West Kalimantan

President Prabowo Subianto has been urged to crack down on illegal gold mining in West Kalimantan amid growing concerns over river damage and environmental destruction. (Illustration image)
President Prabowo Subianto has been urged to crack down on illegal gold mining in West Kalimantan amid growing concerns over river damage and environmental destruction. (Illustration image)

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has been urged to take firm action against illegal gold mining activities that are reportedly still widespread across West Kalimantan. The unlicensed mining operations are believed to be causing serious environmental damage and raising concerns over public health in nearby communities.

According to information gathered by the BorneoTribun Fact Check Team, illegal gold mining activities, commonly known as PETI, are allegedly operating in almost every regency across West Kalimantan. The situation has prompted public questions over the effectiveness of law enforcement and government oversight, as the operations are said to have continued openly for years.

The report also mentions alleged routine payments linked to the illegal mining activities. The payments were reportedly estimated at around Rp1 million to Rp2 million per week for each mining unit.

More than 2,000 illegal mining units are also believed to be operating throughout West Kalimantan. The figure has intensified concerns over weak supervision and enforcement in the region.

Environmental damage has become one of the most visible impacts of the mining activities. Rivers that local residents rely on for daily needs are reportedly being polluted due to dredging and mining operations.

In addition to water contamination, land degradation and river sedimentation are also considered long-term threats to ecosystems surrounding mining areas.

The issue has created a dilemma for local communities. While mining activities are seen as a source of income for many residents, environmental damage and health risks are increasingly affecting people living near the mining sites.

Residents near the mining areas are feared to be exposed to environmental contamination, particularly through polluted river water used in daily activities.

The report further alleged the involvement of several individuals, ranging from law enforcement personnel to village-level public service officials, who were accused of allowing the illegal mining activities to continue. The term “masuk angin” was also mentioned in relation to alleged payment practices connected to the operations.

However, the allegations have not yet received an official response from the related authorities.

The BorneoTribun Fact Check Team claimed to possess photos and videos showing illegal gold mining activities in several areas of West Kalimantan. At the same time, the team acknowledged that certain parties may deny the allegations.

Public attention has also increased ahead of the leadership transition at the West Kalimantan Regional Police, from Inspector General Pipit Rismanto to Inspector General Alberd Teddy Benhard Sianipar. The change in leadership is viewed as an important moment in efforts to address illegal mining activities in the province.

The public is now waiting to see whether the new leadership will take stronger action against illegal gold mining operations that many believe remain difficult to stop.

16 Football Schools Join 2026 President’s Cup National Football Festival in Banjarmasin

Sixteen football schools are competing in the 2026 President’s Cup National Football Festival in Banjarmasin to identify promising young football talent.
Sixteen football schools are competing in the 2026 President’s Cup National Football Festival in Banjarmasin to identify promising young football talent.

A total of 16 football schools (SSB) are competing in the 2026 President’s Cup National Football Festival for the Under-10 and Under-12 categories at Kayu Tangi Football Field in North Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The tournament was officially opened by Banjarmasin Mayor H Muhammad Yamin HR on Thursday.

The event, organized by the Banjarmasin Football Association (PSSI), features eight football schools in the U-10 category and eight in the U-12 category, all representing Banjarmasin.

Muhammad Yamin said the tournament is aimed at identifying and developing young football talent from an early age for future competitions.

“The goal is to discover young talents from an early age,” Yamin said during the opening ceremony at Kayu Tangi Football Field.

He emphasized that all participants must strictly meet the required age categories to ensure fair competition and proper player development.

“The U-10 category is specifically for 10-year-old players only, no older and no younger. The same rule applies to U-12,” he explained.

The best teams and players from the tournament will later represent Banjarmasin at the provincial level before advancing to the national stage.

Yamin also called for continued support from the community and stakeholders to strengthen youth football development in Banjarmasin and help local clubs bring pride to the city.

Meanwhile, organizing committee chairman Hari Kartono said the Banjarmasin PSSI Association was appointed by the South Kalimantan PSSI Provincial Association to host the city-level competition.

According to Kartono, the tournament will award first, second, and third-place winners, as well as individual honors such as Best Player and Top Scorer.

“The champions from this event will represent Banjarmasin at the provincial level,” Kartono said.

He also appreciated the support from the Banjarmasin city government for grassroots football development, including a planned Rp15 million bonus for the tournament champions.

“Mr. Mayor has also announced a Rp15 million bonus for the children who become champions,” he added.

Kartono noted that all participating football schools are officially registered with the Banjarmasin PSSI Association in accordance with guidelines from the South Kalimantan PSSI Provincial Association.

Banjarmasin Mayor Opens 2026 Mayor’s Cup Fencing Championship with Over 100 Athletes

Banjarmasin Mayor H Muhammad Yamin HR opened the 2026 Mayor’s Cup Fencing Championship, featuring more than 100 student athletes at Kodim 1007 Headquarters.
Banjarmasin Mayor H Muhammad Yamin HR opened the 2026 Mayor’s Cup Fencing Championship, featuring more than 100 student athletes at Kodim 1007 Headquarters.

Banjarmasin Mayor H Muhammad Yamin HR officially opened the 2026 Mayor’s Cup Fencing Championship at the Kodim 1007/Banjarmasin Headquarters in South Kalimantan on Wednesday (May 14). The tournament, which runs through May 16, features more than 100 athletes, most of them students.

Yamin praised the high level of participation in the competition. He said the growing enthusiasm for fencing reflects the strong development programs carried out by the Indonesian Fencing Association (IKASI) of South Kalimantan and Banjarmasin City.

According to him, the Mayor’s Cup is not only a competition but also an opportunity to strengthen connections among athletes and the local fencing community.

“We hope the Mayor’s Cup becomes a place for athletes to connect, gather, and discuss the future development of fencing. While there will certainly be winners, the most important thing is maintaining sportsmanship,” Yamin said.

He also expressed hope that the championship would run smoothly and help produce promising athletes capable of representing Banjarmasin at higher levels of competition.

Chairman of IKASI Banjarmasin and Commander of Kodim 1007/Banjarmasin, Colonel Czi Slamet Riyadi, said the event serves as an important moment for the growth of fencing in the city.

He added that the tournament is part of the celebrations for Banjarmasin’s 500th anniversary.

“We hope this championship can help identify new fencing talents. Hopefully fencing can become one of Banjarmasin’s leading sports and achieve success at the national and international levels,” he said.

Slamet noted that participation from more than 100 athletes shows the increasing popularity of fencing in South Kalimantan, especially in Banjarmasin, which currently has the province’s largest number of fencing athletes.

The championship is expected to strengthen athlete development programs while helping improve Banjarmasin’s achievements in fencing competitions nationwide.

PT WHW AR Special Port in Ketapang Temporarily Shut Down by KKP

KKP temporarily sealed PT WHW AR’s special terminal in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, over alleged incomplete PKKPRL marine spatial utilization permits.
KKP temporarily sealed PT WHW AR’s special terminal in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, over alleged incomplete PKKPRL marine spatial utilization permits.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) temporarily sealed the special terminal operated by PT Whell Harvest Winning Alumina Refinery (WHW AR) in Sungai Tengar Village, Kendawangan District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, on Wednesday (May 13, 2026). The suspension was imposed because the facility was allegedly operating without a complete Marine Spatial Utilization Conformity Approval (PKKPRL).

The sealing operation was carried out by the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance (PSDKP), which installed official warning and sealing signs at the PT WHW AR port area.

The action was announced through the official PSDKP social media account on Thursday (May 14, 2026). According to the agency, the temporary shutdown followed indications of violations related to marine spatial utilization permits.

Director General of PSDKP Pung Nugroho Saksono stated that the ministry would not tolerate businesses that ignore regulations governing marine and coastal area permits.

“Based on field inspections, indications of violations were found at three dock points with a total marine space utilization area of approximately 5,000 square meters,” Pung Nugroho Saksono wrote on the official PSDKP social media account Thursday.

KKP said the enforcement action was intended to ensure all marine space utilization activities comply with regulations while also protecting coastal and marine ecosystems.

The ministry also urged businesses operating in coastal and small island areas to complete all required licensing documents in accordance with existing regulations.

According to KKP, regulatory compliance is necessary to maintain ecological balance while supporting sustainable investment in Indonesia’s marine and fisheries sectors.tyle

Banjarbaru Government Inspects Gas Stations After Long Vehicle Lines

Banjarbaru officials inspected several gas stations after long vehicle lines formed across the city. Mayor Erna Lisa Halaby confirmed fuel supplies remain safe and stable. (Illustration image)
Banjarbaru officials inspected several gas stations after long vehicle lines formed across the city. Mayor Erna Lisa Halaby confirmed fuel supplies remain safe and stable. (Illustration image)

The Banjarbaru City Government in South Kalimantan conducted surprise inspections at several gas stations on Wednesday following long vehicle lines, aiming to ensure fuel supplies remain stable.

Banjarbaru Mayor Erna Lisa Halaby visited the sites alongside local government officials and police officers to monitor conditions at three gas stations experiencing heavy congestion across the city.

The inspections focused on gas stations located on Trikora Street, Pelaihari Road Km 21.7 in Liang Anggang, and Mistar Cokrokusumo Street in Cempaka.

The city government said the inspections were carried out to make sure the long queues were not caused by disruptions in fuel distribution or shortages that could trigger public panic buying.

During the visits, the mayor also spoke with gas station staff and monitored fuel distribution activities to ensure public services continued operating normally.

The Banjarbaru administration, together with police personnel, deployed joint officers at several gas stations considered prone to traffic congestion due to vehicle queues.

Personnel from local police units, traffic police, municipal public order officers, and Sabhara units were assigned to manage traffic flow so queues would remain orderly and not spill onto public roads.

“Today, together with officials and the Banjarbaru Police Chief, we went directly to the field to monitor and follow up on public complaints regarding the long lines at gas stations,” Erna Lisa Halaby said in Banjarbaru on Wednesday.

Lisa assured residents that fuel supplies in Banjarbaru remain secure.

“We are here to ensure fuel availability for Banjarbaru. God willing, the supply is safe because the regional government guarantees national fuel stocks remain secure,” she said.

She also urged residents to stay calm so city activities would not be disrupted by the queues.

“We want the public to remain calm and city activities not to be disrupted simply because of lines at gas stations,” Lisa added.

The Banjarbaru City Government said monitoring of fuel distribution will continue regularly to maintain supply stability and prevent social impacts caused by panic buying.

Coordination with police authorities will also continue to ensure traffic around crowded gas stations remains under control.

South Kalimantan Police Form SPBU Security Task Force to Prevent Subsidized Fuel Hoarding

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 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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