Indonesia's state-owned oil and gas company, Pertamina, is facing turmoil over allegations of corruption concerning its crude oil management practices. The scandal centers on claims of 'blending' lower grade petrol, RON 90, with RON 92, leading to public concerns about the quality of fuel being sold to consumers.
On February 25, 2025, Abdul Qohar, the Director of Special Crimes at the Attorney General's Office, revealed the extent of the issue during a press conference. "BBM berjenis RON 90, tetapi dibayar seharga RON 92, kemudian dioplos, dicampur," Qohar stated, which translates to, "RON 90 fuel was sold at the price of RON 92, then blended." This simplistic explanation stirred significant anxiety among the public, with many now questioning the integrity of the fuels being sold.
The introduced term 'oplos', which means mixing or diluting, caused confusion and anger among consumers who believed they might be fueling their vehicles with inferior products, particularly those using Pertamax, which is supposed to be RON 92. Following these revelations, sales of Pertamax fell about 5%, indicating widespread customer distrust.
Leading Pertamina, Simon Aloysius Mantiri, was quick to quell fears, assuring the public about the quality of Pertamina's products. "Pertamax, jenis BBM dengan angka oktan (research octane number/RON) 92, dan seluruh produk Pertamina lainnya, telah memenuhi standar dan spesifikasi yang ditentukan Direktorat Jenderal Minyak dan Gas Bumi Kementerian ESDM," he declared, affirming compliance with government standards. Mantiri stated all Pertamina products undergo regular testing and are monitored closely by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
Even with these reassurances, the damage was done. Public anxiety swelled, prompting Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to indicate the need for rigorous oversight moving forward. He communicated the government's strategies for reform, emphasizing improved domestic production to reduce reliance on imports, which amounted to 313 million barrels last year.
To assure the public, Commission XII of the Indonesian Parliament conducted surprise inspections at gas stations across Jakarta on February 27, swiftly dispelling rumors of blending between Pertamax and Pertalite. The Commission's chairman, Bambang Patijaya, acknowledged, "If there are irregularities, we have yet to find them," after checking fuel quality and ensuring compliance with standards set by the ministry.
Patijaya pointed out the significance of proper fuel quality, especially with the Ramadan season approaching. "Kami mau memberikan kepastian dan menjaga kepercayaan publik terhadap produk-produk BBM yang dipasarkan sudah sesuai dengan persyaratan dari Kementerian ESDM," he reiterated, highlighting the necessity of restoring public trust amid the investigation.
Meanwhile, legal scrutiny continues as the Attorney General's Office investigates past transactions from 2018 to 2023. Harli Siregar, the head of the Legal Information Center, stated, "Kejaksaan Agung belum memastikan apakah Pertamax yang beredar di masyarakat pada periode 2018-2023 sesuai dengan spesifikasi yang sudah ditetapkan oleh pemerintah." This translates to the prosecution stating it hasn't yet confirmed whether the Pertamax on the market during this period meets the required specifications.
This entire episode serves as more than just corporate scandal; it has become a stark reminder of the fragility of consumer trust and the necessity for transparent, accountable governance. Bahlil Lahadalia, reflecting on the situation, indicated the imperative to reform Indonesia's oil management strategy by focusing on local oil processing and reducing the export of raw crude, paving the way for comprehensive oversight.
Addressing the crisis will require actions beyond immediate inspections and assurance statements. The drive for policy reforms and stable management practices will be pivotal for preventing such abuses from re-emerging and restoring consumer confidence.
Everyone involved must prioritize what is at stake: public health, the integrity of energy resources, and the far-reaching consequences of mismanagement. The lessons drawn from this scandal should guide efforts not only to rectify current dilemmas but also to prevent future occurrences, ensuring stability and trust within the Indonesian petroleum industry.