For decades, Pertamina has been heralded as the crown jewel of Indonesia’s oil industry—a symbol of national pride and economic strength. But that legacy is now under fire as a sweeping corruption investigation uncovers a web of deceit, mismanagement, and financial malpractice costing the state a staggering USD 11.85 billion. At WeCU Media, we see you, Pertamina—and We See You are corrupt.
The Pertamina Scandal is of Epic Proportion
On February 24, 2025, Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office (AGO) arrested seven high-ranking executives in a scandal rocking the nation. Two more followed by February 26, totaling nine. Among them: Riva Siahaan, CEO of Pertamina Patra Niaga (retail arm), Yoki Firnandi, CEO of Pertamina International Shipping, and Sani Dinar Saifuddin, director at Kilang Pertamina Internasional [Bloomberg].
The allegations are damning. From 2018 to 2023, these executives allegedly rigged procurement, manipulated supply chains, and inflated costs. The AGO says they rejected viable domestic crude oil, exported it cheap, then imported overpriced fuel—pocketing the difference. The result? A loss of IDR 193.7 trillion (USD 11.85 billion), billed to Indonesian taxpayers.
Fueling Corruption: The Blending Scandal
It gets worse. Whistleblowers claim Pertamina mixed low-grade RON 90 gasoline into high-octane RON 92 fuel, selling it at premium prices—a violation of standards and a scam on consumers. Clogged car filters reported on X in November 2024 were the first red flag. “My car’s dying from this junk fuel,” one user raged on February 27, 2025—echoing a growing chorus.
Acting CEO Mars Ega Legowo insists any blending used legal additives to boost performance. Consumer advocates call bullshit. Mufti Mubarok, Chairman of the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN), labels it a “blatant cover-up,” pointing to evidence of fraud. On X, trust’s collapsing—drivers are flocking to Shell and Vivo Energy instead.
Public Outrage and Legal Action
Indonesians are livid. “Pertamina’s a lair of corruptors now,” one X user posted on February 28, 2025—summing up the betrayal. The Jakarta Legal Aid Institute and consumer groups are prepping lawsuits, demanding justice for millions hit by Pertamina’s alleged greed.
President Prabowo Subianto’s government, facing heat, promises strict penalties and a possible overhaul of Pertamina’s operations. The DPR’s set a March 12, 2025, hearing to grill the company. Experts warn this could rattle Indonesia’s energy sector and global standing—oil markets are already jittery, per JPMorgan-MarineLink.
What Lies Ahead for Pertamina?
With lawsuits piling up, reforms in play, and public faith crumbling, Pertamina’s at a breaking point. Will it purge the rot and reclaim its name, or is this the start of a nosedive for Indonesia’s energy titan? WeCU Media sees you, Pertamina—and we’re watching.
One thing’s certain: the people won’t let this slide. They demand accountability—now.
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