By KUSNANDAR & CO., Attorneys at Law – Jakarta, INDONESIA
In recent weeks,
the public has once again faced a fuel shortage, particularly at gas stations
operated by private companies. Long queues and empty stock have disrupted
economic activities, logistics distribution, and daily mobility. This situation
raises concerns about the vulnerability of the national energy distribution
system, which should be resilient in the face of global pressures and domestic
market dynamics.
In response to this
condition, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has taken a
strategic step by allowing private companies to utilize Pertamina’s base fuel
cargo, which has arrived in Jakarta. This initiative represents a measured
government intervention that is not only curative but also opens up new
opportunities for collaboration between state-owned energy companies and the
private sector.
Base fuel is a
refined fuel product that has not yet been blended with additives or colorants.
In other words, it is raw fuel ready to be further formulated according to the
octane standards set by government regulations. This is where the flexibility
and advantage of this solution come into play. Private gas stations can
customize their final product to meet market needs and technical standards
without having to import finished fuel—a process often hindered by
international price fluctuations, limited quotas, or logistical barriers.
The decision to
permit the use of base fuel by private entities also signals a new approach in
the government’s energy management. Whereas previously state-owned enterprises
like Pertamina held a dominant role in the fuel distribution chain, there is
now a more open space for private actors to actively participate—under strict
supervision and with good governance principles. This shift demonstrates that
the government is no longer positioning itself as the sole controller of energy
distribution, but rather as a facilitator enabling strategic collaboration
among stakeholders in the energy ecosystem.
Pertamina Patra
Niaga, in its statement, affirmed its commitment to maintaining product quality
through joint surveyor mechanisms and technical verification processes.
Additionally, Pertamina is opening the door for individual discussions with
private businesses to accurately forecast demand and develop distribution
patterns. This is critical, as smooth fuel distribution relies heavily on
accurate demand data and well-planned logistics.
However, despite
this initiative being commendable, several challenges must be addressed
collectively. First, not all private businesses are immediately ready to access
this base fuel. Some companies still need to coordinate with their overseas
headquarters, especially regarding legal, contractual, and technical aspects.
Second, it is essential to ensure that the process of blending additives and
final formulation does not violate quality standards that could harm consumer
vehicles or the environment. This is where government oversight becomes
crucial.
Transparency in
pricing must also be a priority. While opening up fuel supply is necessary, it
should not lead to price disparities that burden consumers, especially in
regions that heavily rely on private gas stations. If non-subsidized fuel
prices soar without regulation, the economic impact of the shortage will still
be felt—even if physical stock is available.
Nonetheless, this
collaboration marks a significant step toward a more resilient and adaptive
energy system. The government is demonstrating a willingness to move beyond
overly bureaucratic models, while Pertamina is showing that a state-owned
company can also play an inclusive stabilizing role. On the other hand, private
businesses are expected not to be driven solely by commercial interests, but
also to share responsibility in safeguarding national energy security.
Fuel availability
is an essential part of energy sovereignty. Therefore, the success of this
collaboration will be a critical determinant in shaping future energy policy.
If implemented consistently, transparently, and with broad participation, this
initiative could serve as an important precedent for redesigning a more modern
and efficient national energy distribution system.
K&Co - September 26, 2025
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