Long Fuel Queues Outside Java Fuel Concerns of Energy Disparity

Long queues at fuel stations, particularly for diesel, are becoming a serious issue outside of Java, Indonesia. Experts suggest this is not merely a distribution problem but stems from a combination of fiscal pressures, raw material supply issues, and governance challenges. This phenomenon, not observed on Java, highlights existing energy disparities within the country. In Jambi province, a tourist van was delayed due to the long wait at a fuel station, causing frustration among passengers. The driver commented, "We just finished queuing for diesel. It's terrible." As the van passed nearby gas stations, dozens of meters of queues for diesel vehicles, from trucks to double cabin cars, were observed. Some vehicles reportedly stay overnight at the queues to secure fuel. Mustakim, a staff member at Walhi Lampung, stated, "Even Pertalite (gasoline) has been difficult to obtain for the past few days. We are lucky to get it." Similar queues have been observed in other areas of Jambi province, such as Merangin, Sarolangun, and Muara Bungo, as well as in South Sumatra and Lampung provinces. Sudaryadi, Program Director at Traction Energy Asia, analyzed that the fuel scarcity is caused by simultaneous pressures from fiscal, raw material supply, and governance aspects, according to their studies. He pointed out that the implementation of Biodiesel 50 (B50) on July 1 has impacted subsidy burdens, stating that the cost of implementing B50 is significant. This issue points not only to a physical shortage of fuel but also to economic and infrastructural disparities between regions within Indonesia, as well as challenges in the implementation of energy policies. In areas outside Java, where infrastructure development is slower compared to Java, such fuel supply instability is thought to have a direct impact on economic activities and citizens' lives.