beritapekanbaru.com -The recent revelation of a massive fuel adulteration scheme involving Pertamina has sent shockwaves across Indonesia. The estimated financial loss to the state due to this fraudulent activity is projected to reach IDR 968.5 trillion, or nearly one quadrillion. This scandal, which spans five years from 2018 to 2023, has raised significant concerns about corruption, fuel integrity, and economic repercussions.

The Discovery of the Pertamax Adulteration Scandal

On Monday, February 24, 2025, the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) unveiled a major corruption case involving PT Pertamina Patra Niaga. Investigations uncovered that from 2018 to 2023, the company engaged in fuel adulteration, specifically blending Pertamax (Research Octane Number or RON 92) with Pertalite (RON 90), thereby compromising fuel quality and misleading consumers.

Abdul Qohar, Director of Investigations at the Attorney General’s Office, disclosed the details of the fraudulent scheme, stating, "Evidence shows that RON 88 fuel was blended with RON 92 and sold at the price of RON 92." This manipulation allowed the perpetrators to gain substantial illicit profits while deceiving consumers who believed they were purchasing high-quality fuel.

The State’s Financial Losses Could Surpass IDR 968.5 Trillion

Harli Siregar, Head of the Legal Information Center at the Attorney General’s Office, indicated that the losses from this corruption case might exceed the initial estimate of IDR 193.7 trillion. This figure represents only the damages incurred in 2023. However, given that the fraudulent activity persisted for five years, the total loss could be exponentially higher.

“Logically speaking, if the modus operandi remained the same throughout the years, then the total loss should be much greater,” Harli explained to reporters on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. If the 2023 losses alone amounted to IDR 193.7 trillion, multiplying that by five years results in an estimated loss of IDR 968.5 trillion—or nearly one quadrillion.

Despite these alarming figures, the Attorney General's Office has yet to confirm the exact total financial damage. Harli emphasized that financial experts would be required to conduct thorough assessments to determine the precise impact of this corruption case.

Pertamina’s Commitment to Fuel Innovation and Sustainability

Amidst this scandal, Pertamina remains committed to advancing its fuel product line. The company has announced a strategic focus on selling three main types of fuel:

1. Pertamax 92 – A widely used premium fuel.

2. Pertamax Green 95 – A blend of Pertamax and 8% ethanol.

3. Pertamax Turbo – A high-performance fuel for superior engine efficiency.

Additionally, Pertamina plans to introduce Pertamax Green 92, which will mix RON 90 fuel with 7% ethanol. These initiatives align with Pertamina’s broader commitment to developing bioenergy solutions to achieve net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2060.

Legal Proceedings and Suspects Identified

Authorities have taken decisive action against those involved in the corruption case. The Attorney General’s Office has formally named seven suspects linked to the fraudulent management of crude oil and refinery products within PT Pertamina, its sub-holdings, and its contract-based business partners (KKKS). Legal proceedings are ongoing, with investigators uncovering further evidence to support prosecution efforts.

What is a Quadrillion?

The staggering financial losses estimated in this case have led many to ask: What exactly is a quadrillion?

According to the Indonesian Dictionary (Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia), a quadrillion is equal to one thousand trillion (1,000 trillion). In the American, Russian, and French numbering systems, a quadrillion represents a figure with 15 zeros (1,000,000,000,000,000).

For reference, the numbering scale continues as follows:

• 1,000 quadrillion = 1 quintillion

• 1,000 quintillion = 1 sextillion

• 1,000 sextillion = 1 septillion

• 1,000 septillion = 1 octillion

• 1,000 octillion = 1 nonillion

• 1,000 nonillion = 1 decillion

Broader Implications of the Scandal

The discovery of this large-scale fuel adulteration scheme has sparked widespread discussions about governance, regulatory oversight, and ethical business practices in Indonesia’s energy sector. The case underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar fraudulent activities in the future.

Furthermore, this scandal raises concerns about public trust in fuel quality and pricing. Consumers rely on transparent, fair practices when purchasing fuel, and any breach of this trust could have long-term repercussions for Pertamina’s reputation and the broader petroleum industry.

Looking Ahead

As investigations continue, the Indonesian government is expected to introduce stricter policies and monitoring systems to curb corruption within state-owned enterprises. The resolution of this case will serve as a crucial test of Indonesia’s legal system and its commitment to upholding transparency, integrity, and economic justice.

While the exact financial losses remain under review, one thing is certain: the Pertamina Pertamax adulteration case has exposed vulnerabilities in the fuel sector that demand immediate reform. The outcome of this case will likely shape the future of Indonesia’s energy policies and regulatory frameworks for years to come.