Fuel smuggling still rampant in Maluku waters

Fuel smuggling in the waters of West Maluku Tenggara regency, Maluku Province, continues to be rampant despite the knowledge of the local Navy unit, according to Antara news agency.

The agency said that the smuggling of heavily subsidized fuel out of the country in the waters bordering with Australia was being done by oil tanker firm called SMJ, based in Surabaya, East Java.

West Maluku Tenggara Japy Sahetapy confirmed the rampant fuel smuggling activity. He said that he had report this to the central government and called for immediate action.

Meanwhile, local legislator John Sabono alleged the involvement of local navy officer and state owned oil and gas firm Pertamina officer in the fuel smuggling activity. (*)