Through the Legal Education Grant program implemented by the Center for Legal Consultation and Assistance, the Center for Natural Resources Governance Studies (NRGS) at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), hosted a broadcast on the topic “The Chaos of Fuel Distribution in Indonesia.” The broadcast took place on Tuesday (November 11, 2025) at TVRI Yogyakarta. It lasted approximately one hour and featured an engaging, interactive, and participatory discussion. The broadcast successfully examined the issue of petroleum product distribution in Indonesia from legal, technical, and socio-economic perspectives—all of which are closely tied to people’s daily lives and mobility. It featured critical discussions involving expert panelists and active audience participation.
This broadcast focused on four key topics: the chaotic state of fuel distribution, retail fuel vendors, the 10 percent ethanol blending mandate, and energy independence. The broadcast was a success, featuring three panelists who offered diverse perspectives on the complexities of fuel distribution in Indonesia. The three panelists were Dr. Agustina Merdekawati, S.H., LL.M. (Researcher at NRGS and Lecturer in the Department of International Law, Faculty of Law, UGM), Dr. Agung Satriyo Nugroho, S.Si., M.Sc. (Researcher at PSE and Lecturer in the Department of Development Geography, Faculty of Geography, UGM), and Alinda Fitrotun Nisya, S.T., M.Eng. (Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Islamic University of Indonesia).
The three panelists provided in-depth analysis based on their respective areas of expertise. Dr. Agustina Merdekawati, S.H., LL.M., from a legal perspective, emphasized that although regulatory frameworks such as the Oil and Gas Law and its implementing regulations have established clear provisions, implementation on the ground still faces significant challenges. Meanwhile, Agung highlighted the geographical and socioeconomic aspects, as well as disparities in access to fuel. From a technical standpoint, Alinda warned of the potential hazards posed by the storage and retail sale of fuel, and clarified public misconceptions regarding ethanol blending—which is actually a standard practice to improve fuel quality and reduce emissions. A total of 19 (nineteen) members of the public and students tuned in to the broadcast and even asked questions directly to the panelists.
This broadcast, themed “The Chaos of Fuel Distribution in Indonesia,” aligns with the UGM Faculty of Law’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, particularly Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy, Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth, Goal 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production, and Goal 13 on climate action.
The primary objective of this broadcast is to foster public compliance with and awareness of the law regarding the governance of fuel distribution. Through this broadcast, it is hoped that the public will not only understand the risks and collective losses resulting from illegal distribution practices—such as hoarding and illegal retail sales—but will also be encouraged to become part of the solution toward a fairer, safer, and more sustainable fuel distribution system, which will ultimately support the realization of Indonesia’s energy independence.
Author: Zea Alima Cirsa (NRGS)
