By: Raka Raditya Akbar )*
Various provocative efforts that try to damage public trust in the quality of Fuel Oil (BBM) produced by PT Pertamina (Persero) continue to circulate in the digital space. Hoax issues regarding the alleged adulteration of Pertalite into Pertamax have emerged without a clear basis, causing unrest in the community. However, the existing facts prove that Pertamina’s BBM remains guaranteed in quality and has met the specification standards set by the government.
Pertamina firmly denies the practice of BBM adulteration as widely reported. The company ensures that every BBM product marketed has gone through a strict supervision process in accordance with applicable regulations.
Efforts to spread disinformation regarding alleged BBM adulteration not only harm the company’s credibility, but also have the potential to divide national unity through baseless narratives.
PT Pertamina (Persero) through VP Corporate Communication, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, emphasized that every liter of fuel sold to the public is in accordance with the specifications set by the Directorate General of Oil and Gas (Dirjen Migas).
Pertamax with Research Octane Number (RON) 92 and Pertalite with RON 90 are produced and distributed without any manipulation or changes in composition. The production process and quality control are carried out strictly to ensure that the products received by the public continue to meet the predetermined quality standards.
The quality of Pertamina’s fuel has been tested and verified by the Oil and Gas Institute (Lemigas), which acts as an independent testing institution in the national oil and gas industry. This fact further strengthens the guarantee that the products available on the market have met all the necessary technical and safety standards. Allegations of adulteration circulating in the community have no valid basis and only cloud public opinion.
Furthermore, Fadjar highlighted that the narrative regarding adulterated fuel circulating on social media does not match the official findings of the Attorney General’s Office. The issue being questioned by the Attorney General’s Office is not related to fuel adulteration, but rather the management of RON 90 and RON 92 fuel imports. Therefore, any claim stating that Pertamina’s fuel has been mixed or manipulated is a form of disinformation that can mislead the public.
Pertamina Patra Niaga Corporate Secretary, Heppy Wulansari, emphasized that the public does not need to worry about the quality of fuel produced by Pertamina. Products entering Pertamina’s fuel terminals are finished products that have met their respective specification standards. Pertalite still has RON 90, while Pertamax has RON 92 as stipulated by the government.
As part of the quality control (QC) process, Pertamina’s fuel terminals implement dye injections to differentiate the types of products circulating in the community. In addition, for Pertamax products, additives are added to improve performance and efficiency of fuel use. This procedure is part of the oil and gas industry standards and is in accordance with government regulations.
Pertamina’s fuel distribution is also under the supervision of the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas). This multi-layered supervision ensures that there are no deviations or product manipulations that could harm consumers. Commitment to good corporate governance continues to be the main principle in Pertamina’s operations to maintain public trust.
Acting Daily Director (PTH) of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Mars Ega Legowo Putra, emphasized that Pertamina obtains fuel supplies from two main sources, namely domestic refineries and procurement from abroad. Every product received has the appropriate RON specifications without any changes or manipulation of the octane number.
The blending process carried out at the fuel terminal is not a mixing practice, but a standard procedure in the oil industry. The addition of additives to Pertamax aims to improve fuel quality and provide more benefits for vehicle performance. This entire process has gone through laboratory tests that ensure the product remains in accordance with the specified specifications.
Meanwhile, President Prabowo also responded to the case by emphasizing that the government will continue to clean up and enforce the rules that apply to the oil governance sector in Indonesia and continue to defend the interests of the people.
Provocative efforts through the spread of hoaxes related to adulterated fuel must not be allowed to develop without clear clarification. Pertamina continues to strive to provide transparent information to the public so that they do not get caught up in baseless opinions. Public trust in domestically produced fuel must be maintained, especially with the assurance of quality from various independent institutions. Issues that develop without strong facts will only add tocreate unnecessary distrust and anxiety. The public is expected to be more selective in filtering information and avoiding the spread of narratives that could harm the national energy industry.
The security of supply and quality of fuel from Pertamina remains a top priority, in line with the company’s commitment to providing reliable energy for all Indonesian people. () ) The author is a socio-economic observer
