KUBU RAYA, thekabarnews.com—Kubu Raya Regent Sujiwo has ordered the cancellation of an unauthorized increase in water transport fares serving Batu Ampar after coastal residents protested against fuel shortages and repeated electricity outages.

Sujiwo met protesters at the Kubu Raya Legislative Council (DPRD) building on Monday, Oct. 26. The residents represented the Village Youth Union and the Batu Ampar Village Community Alliance. They also raised concerns about low copra prices and a company’s aggregate-mining activities.

The disputed fare applies to passenger services between Rasau Jaya and Batu Ampar. Sujiwo said operators must restore the fare to Rp60,000 per passenger because the increase had no basis in a regent’s decree.

“Because it is not included in a regent’s decree, we will revoke the fare. However, we understand why they raised it: fuel is difficult to obtain, and when it is available, it is expensive,” Sujiwo said.

The regent acknowledged that cancelling the increase without resolving the fuel shortage could create another problem. Boat operators might struggle to cover their costs or suspend services, disrupting mobility in coastal areas that depend heavily on river and sea transportation.

“I am asking for help so this situation does not create a social problem. Fuel scarcity falls within Pertamina’s domain. People are not asking for much; they simply want fuel at a reasonable price,” the regent said.

Sujiwo called on Pertamina to inspect the distribution system and ensure that subsidized fuel reached coastal communities. Residents have alleged irregularities in distribution, including possible misuse of fuel-purchasing barcodes.

The latest complaints point to a recurring supply problem. In March, the Kubu Raya administration reported that a fuel shortage lasting several days had driven water transport fares up by about 30 percent. Additionally, it increased the cost of basic goods in Batu Ampar and Kubu districts.

Residents also complained about repeated power outages that disrupted households and local businesses. Sujiwo said electricity supply remained PLN’s responsibility. However, the district administration would request an evaluation of the generating equipment and distribution network.

“If maintenance is necessary, there must be transparency. Residents should be told how long the electricity will be unavailable,” he said.

The regent also addressed opposition to aggregate-mining activities associated with PT ASJ. He said the relevant permit came from the West Kalimantan provincial government rather than the district administration.

Kubu Raya would convey the residents’ position to provincial authorities if a formal village meeting rejected the company’s presence.

“If the village consultation decides to reject PT ASJ, we will support the community and discuss the matter with the provincial administration and the relevant agency,” Sujiwo said.

The Kubu Raya council plans further meetings on fuel distribution. They may raise regulatory issues with national lawmakers and BPH Migas.

Pertamina and PLN had not issued responses to the residents’ latest complaints when the meeting ended. Further action will depend on coordination among the district government, provincial authorities and the two energy providers.