Pangkalpinang. Police in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Province, have arrested two individuals for allegedly misusing permits intended for fishing vessels to obtain subsidized diesel fuel for illegal tin mining operations.

Authorities seized 800 liters of subsidized diesel during a recent operation, according to Irwan Haryadi, head of the Pangkalpinang Water and Air Police Unit.

The fuel was found stored in dozens of jerry cans at Sampur Beach in Central Bangka Regency. The two suspects -- identified by their initials SA and RA -- were arrested as the buyer and supplier, respectively.

Police said SA purchased the diesel from RA at Rp 12,500 per liter. RA had acquired the fuel at the subsidized price of Rp 6,800 per liter from a fueling station designated for fishing vessels.

“The purchase was made using a recommendation letter issued for fishing boats by the Pangkalpinang Marine and Fisheries Agency. While the permit was intended for fishermen, it was misused by the suspects for illegal tin mining,” Irwan said.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities not ruling out additional suspects. The two individuals face charges related to the misuse of subsidized fuel, which carry a maximum penalty of up to six years in prison.

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