Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – The Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Jakarta revealed that public trust in Pertamina is dwindling due to the alleged fuel adulteration (BBM) of Pertamax.
According to data from the complaint post opened by LBH Jakarta, most complainants doubt the resolution of this case, with some even suggesting the dissolution of state-owned enterprises.
"In the past four days, 526 complaints have been filed. On average, trust has declined. The responses are largely skeptical – some believe it's futile, while others have called for Pertamina's dissolution," said LBH Jakarta Director Muhammad Fadhil Alfathansaat when contacted by Tempo on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Fadhil revealed that the incoming complaints are very diverse, ranging from vehicle damage to increased expenses due to purchasing fuel that is considered not in accordance with the specifications.
According to Fadhil, the main concern of the public is not only about material losses, but also the loss of trust in the government's supervision mechanism and Pertamina.
"If this trust is not restored, it will be difficult for the public to believe again in the quality of the sold fuel," he said.
LBH Jakarta, he said, is currently assessing the legal steps to be taken after the complaint post is closed on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. There are two possibilities that will be taken, depending on further examination results: a citizen lawsuit or a class action.
If there is negligence in the government's policy regarding fuel management, then the state will be sued through a citizen lawsuit.
"We have previously sued the government regarding air pollution and exploitative online lending practices. If the fuel regulation is not transparent and harms the public, then the government must be held accountable," said Fadhil.
However, if the problem lies in the implementation of poor policies, LBH will file a class action representing consumers who feel aggrieved. "If there are 4,000 people affected, it is not possible to sue each one individually. Therefore, we will represent them in a single lawsuit," he added.
LBH Jakarta also highlighted Pertamina's statement that there was no fuel adulteration in the fuel distribution. According to Fadhil, this is not enough to close this case.
"We want an independent examination involving many parties, including community representatives. If it's just based on unilateral claims from Pertamina, that's not enough," said Fadhil.