Protests Erupt Over Fuel and LPG Shortages in Makassar; Workers and Students Occupy Pertamina Office

Hundreds of workers and students, united under the Aliansi Cipayung Plus Kota Makassar, occupied the PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sulawesi office in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday (14/9/2026). The protesters, who pushed their way to the main entrance and remained into the night, are demanding transparency regarding the fuel (BBM) and 3-kilogram LPG crisis in the region. At the scene, security forces, comprising police and military personnel, formed a barricade to prevent the demonstrators from entering the building further. As of 7:00 PM WITA, the crowd continued to rally, with two command cars from HMI (Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam) branches of Makassar and Gowa Raya (Cagora) taking turns to deliver speeches. They are urging Pertamina to provide an open explanation about the scarcity of BBM and 3-kilogram LPG in several areas of South Sulawesi. The protesters also demanded that the Executive General Manager of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sulawesi, Deny Sukendar, meet them in person. Makassar Police Chief Kombes Pol Arya Perdana was present and attempted to de-escalate the situation after the protesters expressed disappointment when only a staff representative met them. "If the highest leadership does not meet us, then we will occupy this place. Seal this place," shouted one demonstrator. To ease tensions, Arya contacted Deny Sukendar via video call, showing the screen to the crowd so they could pose questions directly. However, this did not satisfy the protesters, who insisted on Sukendar's physical presence and direct explanation. Sarah Agussalim, Chair of HMI Makassar Branch, stated that her organization demands Pertamina Regional Sulawesi to transparently disclose data on BBM supply and distribution. She believes the public has the right to know the real condition of BBM supply and demand in South Sulawesi. "We ask Pertamina, especially Regional Sulawesi, to be accountable for what has happened to the people of South Sulawesi recently, where there has been a scarcity of BBM at various gas stations in Makassar City, in particular," Sarah said. Sarah noted that Pertamina has not yet disclosed data on BBM supply or demand in South Sulawesi, leaving the public without clear information on the causes of the scarcity and the handling measures being taken. She also mentioned that HMI Makassar Branch had previously raised the BBM scarcity issue with the South Sulawesi Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), which also questioned Pertamina's lack of transparency. Beyond the scarcity issue, HMI Makassar Branch also highlighted a circular from the South Sulawesi Energy and Mineral Resources Service regarding the implementation of an odd-even traffic system for residents filling up their vehicles at gas stations. Sarah believes this policy could create new problems, such as encouraging panic buying due to fears of not getting fuel. "We see this as potentially creating a new problem. Of course, this will encourage people to panic buy and also to fill up repeatedly," she stated. HMI also requested Pertamina to explain its mitigation steps for the energy crisis in South Sulawesi, as clear mitigation efforts have not been visible. "We demand transparency in BBM distribution and also the mitigation measures being taken by Pertamina in facing the energy crisis in South Sulawesi," she said. Sarah expressed regret that both the government and the DPRD are blaming the public for the BBM scarcity, attributing it to panic buying. She asserted that the issue should be explained based on actual data and supply conditions. "We deeply regret that all stakeholders, both executive and legislative, are blaming the public on the grounds that this happened due to panic buying," Sarah remarked. HMI Makassar Branch affirmed its commitment to holding Pertamina accountable. If the top leadership of Pertamina Regional Sulawesi does not meet the demonstrators, further protests are planned.