Pertamina Patra Niaga is intensifying action against vehicles using modified fuel tanks to repeatedly buy state-supported Pertalite in West Kalimantan. The company will block offending vehicles’ Subsidi Tepat QR codes. The Pontianak lawmaker has urged authorities to prioritize cars and trucks suspected of reselling fuel to industry for profit.

PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—Pertamina Patra Niaga has warned motorists in West Kalimantan that it will block the fuel-purchasing QR codes of vehicles found using modified tanks. They will also block codes for vehicles that conduct repeated refills. Pertamina will block the codes of vehicles whose registration details do not match their records.

The measure forms part of the company’s continuing efforts to prevent the misuse of Pertalite. This fuel is a state-subsidized fuel that is officially classified as a Special Assignment Fuel Type (JBKP).

Pertamina’s West Kalimantan Sales Area Manager, Widhi Tri Adhi Hidayat, said the company had conducted enforcement operations across the province. This was before announcing the latest warning on Saturday, July 18.

“In West Kalimantan, we have carried out—and continue to carry out—enforcement against vehicles with non-standard or modified fuel tanks,” Widhi told Tribun Pontianak.

Modified vehicles may use concealed auxiliary tanks—sometimes called “ghost tanks”—to purchase quantities exceeding their standard fuel capacity. Operators can then allegedly store or resell the fuel at higher prices.

Pertamina can deactivate a vehicle’s Subsidi Tepat QR code, preventing it from purchasing Pertalite through the registered account.

Fuel station operators may also refuse service when a vehicle’s physical condition or registration number does not match the information linked to its code.

“We will block the Subsidi Tepat QR code of any vehicle proven to have committed a violation, whether through repeated refilling or using data that do not match the vehicle,” Widhi said.

Pertamina previously confirmed that the Subsidi Tepat system digitally records subsidized and state-compensated fuel transactions in West Kalimantan.

The company also instructed fuel stations to reject vehicles with suspected non-standard tanks or mismatched data. This was according to a March 2026 regional report.

QR code blocking is an administrative measure. Pertamina may also refer suspected illegal stockpiling, transportation or resale to the police for investigation.

Pontianak City Council member (DPRD) Husin called for enforcement to focus on modified cars and trucks. This is due to their ability to carry significantly more fuel than motorcycles.

“In my view, authorities should tighten supervision of cars with modified tanks, including trucks that queue to buy fuel for resale rather than personal use. Those are the vehicles that authorities should monitor more closely,” Husin told Tribun Pontianak.

He argued that some modified motorcycles supply small roadside fuel sellers. Cars and trucks can potentially divert larger volumes to commercial or industrial buyers. The statement does not exempt motorcycle operators from fuel-distribution rules.

Modified tanks and multiple QR codes have also emerged in enforcement cases outside West Kalimantan. Between January and April 2026, East Java Police uncovered 66 cases involving subsidized fuel and three-kilogram LPG. Authorities seized 8,904 liters of Pertalite and 17,508 liters of subsidized diesel, according to BPH Migas.

Under Article 55 of Indonesia’s Oil and Gas Law, misuse involving the transportation or commercial sale of government-supported fuel may carry a maximum six-year prison sentence. It may also carry a fine of up to Rp60 billion following investigation and conviction.