Fuel Crisis in Timika and Palu
Wednesday, 03 September, 2008 | 22:58 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Timika:For the past week, it has been difficult for Timika residents to obtain diesel and premium fuel. Meanwhile, Palu has run out of coal that is normally used to supply state-owned electricity company, PLN.


Based on Tempo’s observation in Timika, vehicles are lining up 4-5 kilometers at gas stations in Nawaripi and Timika, causing some fights among the people. The police had to come and break them up.


People were disappointed because they could not get their basic essentials. “We’ve waited for hours, and they ran out of stock when my turn came,” Yudi complained.


The residents preferred to buy the fuel at the state-controlled stations because they sell it cheaper than the retailers, who sell premium fuel for Rp 15.000 – Rp 20.000 per liter. “The buyers have to wait for hours,” Amir, a premium fuel retailer said.


Hardjito of the Pertamina Office in Timika, could not be reached for confirmation. Mimika Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) Commission B member, Ivodius Yeuyanan said the fuel crisis was a yearly occurrence in Timika. “This shows how bad the fuel distribution system in Timika is,” he added.


So far, Mimika regency does not have an official Pertamina representative. That is why fuel distribution is still monopolized by private companies collaborating with Pertamina. Ivodius also blames DPRD’s Commission B chairman who is not taking this matter seriously. “I’m a Commission B member too, but I and my friends cannot do much about the crisis because the chairman is busy with his politicals,” he claimed.


The crisis also caused extended power cuts from four to eight hours. “There’s only 60 kiloliter of diesel fuel stock left, enough for just 46 hours,” PLN branch manager in Timika, Trimanto said. If no additional supply is not delivered, a total power cut will have to be enforced.


Meanwhile in Palu, a six-hour power cut had to be imposed due to coal shortage. “The remaining stock is enough for today only,” PLN spokesman in Palu, Boy said yesterday. If no new supply is delivered, Palu will undergo a blackout.

Pusaka Jaya Power Panau (PJPP) power plant production manager, Jati Nugroho said the coal should have arrived last Tuesday.


On the other hand, there is enough supply of premium fuel in Lombok. There has even been a reduction in the consumption of fuel from 16.000 liter to 13.000 liter a day.

TJAHJONO EP | DARLIS | SUPRIYANTHO KHAFID