The distribution of subsidized and compensation fuel in Indonesia is continuously becoming more precisely targeted. The Downstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Agency (BPH Migas) reports that as of October 16, 2025, it has issued a remarkable 542,689 Recommendation Letters (Surkom) to serve 296,577 consumers across the archipelago who rely on these vital fuel allocations.
These Recommendation Letters are specifically issued for the purchase of Certain Types of Fuel (JBT), which includes subsidized fuel, and Special Assignment Types of Fuel (JBKP), referred to as compensation fuel. The letters stipulate specific volumes and periods for eligible consumers. These consumers are precisely those who genuinely utilize the fuel for their own needs, strictly adhering to the prevailing legal and regulatory frameworks.
The issuance of Surkom is a direct implementation of BPH Migas Regulation Number 2 of 2023, which governs the procurement of Recommendation Letters for JBT and JBKP purchases. This intricate system is efficiently managed through a dedicated digital application known as XStar. Leveraging this advanced information technology, the government aims to deliver faster and more accurate services to the public while also significantly curbing the misuse and diversion of subsidized and compensation fuel in the field.
The Surkom system operates on an integrated platform, fostering seamless collaboration between BPH Migas, local governments, and assigned business entities, such as Pertamina. To date, approximately 3,015 Regional Government Organizations (OPD) spanning 23 provinces have actively participated in issuing these crucial Surkom. The actual distribution of fuel then takes place through an extensive network of 3,438 Public Fuel Filling Stations (SPBU) located across 468 regencies and cities, ensuring wide accessibility.
Essentially, Surkom serves as a critical monitoring mechanism, guaranteeing that every single liter of subsidized fuel is utilized strictly for its intended purpose and genuinely reaches the eligible segments of society. Consumers benefiting from Surkom span various productive sectors and public services that underpin the nation’s economy, including micro-businesses, fisheries, agriculture, transportation, and general public services.
The tangible benefits of this policy are already being directly experienced by fishermen. One such individual is Pisor Ansori (40), a fisherman from Pandeglang, Banten. He emphasized the profound assistance provided by the Surkom issued by the Pandeglang Fisheries Agency. “That recommendation letter is more than just beneficial for us; it’s truly a lifeline,” Pisor stated, highlighting its critical importance.
On average, Pisor can set sail for fishing around 20 to 22 days each month, provided the weather conditions are favorable. However, during inclement weather, he prioritizes safety by choosing to remain ashore. He underscored that the benefits of Surkom are very real, as it explicitly ensures that subsidized fuel genuinely reaches the eligible fishermen. “Fishermen here in Pandeglang truly adhere to the rules, to Pertamina’s directives on how to acquire subsidized diesel precisely and properly,” he affirmed.
Echoing Pisor’s sentiments, Sofyan (48), Chairman of the Samadikun Fishermen’s Association in Cirebon City, West Java, also attested to the streamlined process. He noted that obtaining a Surkom is now significantly easier and immensely helps fishermen secure subsidized diesel. “Alhamdulillah (Thank God), as a fisherman, having this Recommendation Letter is incredibly helpful, and getting it isn’t difficult at all – it’s easy,” he shared with gratitude.
Sofyan further added that the fishing activities of Cirebon’s fishermen are also highly dependent on weather conditions. “If the weather is good, we go out fully, non-stop, while we can,” he explained, noting that he dedicates his days to catching shrimp in the waters surrounding Cirebon.
BPH Migas clarified that Surkom not only acts as a monitoring instrument but also serves as concrete proof of the government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that energy subsidies and compensation, funded by state resources, are utilized precisely and effectively – reaching the right targets, in the correct volumes, and for the intended purposes. The systematic issuance of Surkom represents a powerful synergy between the central government and local authorities, all geared towards supporting the productive sectors of the community.
With the increasingly targeted distribution of subsidized and compensation fuel, the government harbors a strong expectation that regional economic competitiveness will continue to strengthen, fostering sustained growth in the welfare of communities across Indonesia.
Summary
Indonesia’s BPH Migas is implementing a system of Recommendation Letters (Surkom) to ensure the targeted distribution of subsidized and compensation fuels. As of October 2025, over 542,000 Surkom have been issued, serving nearly 300,000 eligible consumers in sectors such as micro-businesses, fisheries, and agriculture. This system, managed by the XStar digital application, aims to prevent fuel misuse and provide accurate services by coordinating BPH Migas, local governments, and distributors.
This targeted distribution directly benefits sectors like fisheries, with fishermen like Pisor Ansori and Sofyan confirming Surkom as a vital “lifeline” that ensures easy access to subsidized diesel. The system guarantees that every liter of subsidized fuel reaches its intended purpose and eligible segments of society. The government expects this enhanced monitoring to strengthen regional economic competitiveness and improve community welfare across Indonesia.