Govt questions two Pertamina officials over kerosene supply

The Ministry of Mines and Energy, representing the government, has questioned two Pertamina officials allegedly involved in the supply earlier this month of up to 100% "extra dropping" (supply) of kerosene, compared to normal demand.

"The two Pertamina officials are at divisional head level, and we have questioned them," said senior official at the Mines and Energy Ministry, Slamet Singgih, yesterday.

Singgih, however, refused to reveal the names of the officials as they are still under investigation.

He added the investigation is likely to develop and might not only be limited to the two officials.

Singgih also refused to provide any hints on whether the investigation would lead to officials at the board of directors level.

"The investigation is currently proceeding.

"I don't think it is ethical to elaborate while the process is underway," he said.

Mines and Energy Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro recently said his office has met with Pertamina President Director Baihaki Hakim, and Slamet Singgih to follow up any "inappropriateness" in the policy.

The minister has even threatened to fire any officials intentionally making improper policies.

On the policy governing extra-dropping, Singgih described it as inappropriate because such a policy can only be taken to cover extraordinary occasions and events, such as religious festivities.

"If it was issued only to anticipate price hikes, every body knows we would be able to handle it using the Market Operation (OP). But when we make an extra dropping, the potential for leakage is huge," he said.

He added the extra dropping policy could be misused by certain parties to accommodate their own personal interests, for example selling them to certain industries or making them available for smuggling.

"If it's an OP matter, we know the target is the (public) consumer," he said. (*)