Inp.polri.go.id - Serang. The Banten Regional Police Directorate of Special Crimes Investigation and sub-regional police offices uncovered eight cases of illegal trade and abuse of subsidized fuel (BBM), including Biosolar and Pertalite, across the province in October 2026.

"Subsidized fuel is a right intended for underprivileged citizens and allocated by the government to meet public energy needs. We will not allow any room for individuals to exploit subsidies for personal financial gain," said Banten Police Chief Inspector General Hendra Kurniawan in Serang on Monday (2/11/2026).

Operational teams arrested 14 suspects across various jurisdictions, seizing 6,036 liters of Biosolar, 409 liters of Pertalite, 10 modified vehicles, storage drums, and transfer equipment. Suspects purchased subsidized fuel repeatedly from gas stations using modified fuel tanks before reselling it to industrial sectors at non-subsidized rates, according to antaranews.com. 

All suspects face up to six years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp 60 billion under the Oil and Gas Law as amended by the Job Creation Law.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)