The quality of fuel circulating in society today is guaranteed to be safe. The Head of the Legal Information Center of the Attorney General’s Office, Harli Siregar, emphasized that the fuel available in the market is not the result of mixing or tampering and is not related to the ongoing legal case. This statement provides legal certainty, ensuring that the public can use fuel without worrying about its quality and safety.
The government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), has implemented regular sampling tests on fuel circulating in the market. PT Pertamina Patra Niaga (PPN), as a subholding of PT Pertamina (Persero), also ensures a sufficient supply of fuel during the upcoming Ramadan and Idul Fitri 1446 Hijriah. The Acting President Director of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Mars Ega, stated that PPN operates more than 15,000 fuel outlets across Indonesia, which are integrated with a digital system. This system allows for tight and transparent monitoring of fuel distribution, ensuring the quality and availability of fuel remain intact.
Additionally, the national fuel stock is in a safe condition, supported by the establishment of a special task force (Satgas) for Ramadan and Idul Fitri 2025, which will begin operating effectively on March 17, 2025. This task force aims to ensure smooth fuel supply, especially during peak consumption periods like Ramadan and Lebaran, with close coordination between the government, Pertamina, and relevant stakeholders.
In terms of quality, Pertamina Patra Niaga ensures that all fuel products sold have undergone routine sampling tests conducted by the Ministry of ESDM through LEMIGAS. Mars Ega emphasized that they provide full access to LEMIGAS to test marketed products to ensure their quality remains in accordance with government standards. This shows the government’s strong commitment to maintaining the quality of fuel used by the public.
Furthermore, Mars Ega clarified that Pertamina Patra Niaga does not have facilities to perform blending that could alter the Research Octane Number (RON) of marketed fuel. They only add color and additives to improve fuel performance without changing its basic characteristics. This statement affirms that Pertamina’s fuel products remain in compliance with government standards and undergo strict supervision.
Private gas station leaders also support this statement. The President Director of Mobility Shell Indonesia, Ingrid Siburian, explained that additives added to fuel serve only to improve the quality and performance of the fuel, not to alter the octane number. Each business entity has its own advantages in additive formulas, but the octane value of the marketed fuel remains consistent with the original specifications. This demonstrates that all players in Indonesia’s fuel industry are committed to maintaining high standards in fuel distribution.
From a legislative perspective, Member of Parliament from PAN, Aqib Ardiansyah, emphasized the importance of transparency in fuel distribution. He expressed confidence that the products received at Pertamina’s fuel terminals comply with government specifications. Therefore, educating the public must be strengthened to avoid misunderstandings about the quality of fuel sold at gas stations. Aqib emphasized that if there were any mixtures or adulterations in the fuel, it would result in damage to vehicle engines. However, the fact that vehicles using fuel in Indonesia continue to perform well proves that the quality of fuel circulating in the market meets government standards.
To maintain fuel quality, various measures have been taken by the government and related businesses. The integration of a digital system in fuel distribution allows for more accurate oversight of the supply chain, from refining to reaching consumers. With this system, each movement of fuel stocks can be monitored in real-time, minimizing the risk of deviations in distribution.
Moreover, the establishment of the Ramadan and Idul Fitri 2025 Task Force is a strategic step by the government to anticipate the surge in fuel demand during this period. The task force collaborates with various parties to ensure stable and secure fuel supplies, particularly along key routes such as those used during the annual homecoming and in areas with high economic activity.
The guarantee of fuel quality is crucial for the public, as fuel plays a vital role in supporting daily activities, from transportation to industries. With assurance from various parties, including the Attorney General’s Office, Pertamina, private gas stations, and legislators, the public need not be concerned about the quality of fuel they use. Public education is also an essential part of ensuring proper understanding of fuel quality, so that baseless worries do not arise.
As fuel users, the public is expected to be wise in choosing fuel according to their vehicle’s specifications and not easily influenced by unsubstantiated information. With strict oversight by the government and various stakeholders, fuel quality in Indonesia remains secure, safe, and guaranteed for use by all sectors of society. Moving forward, the synergy between the government, energy companies, and the public must be further strengthened to ensure that fuel distribution and quality remain at the highest standards for the common good.
)* The author is an energy policy observer.
