BALI – The Bali chapter of the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (IWO Bali) has called for the removal of PT Pertamina (Persero) President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri following fuel shortages across Bali that have disrupted public activities and economic operations.
IWO Bali Chairperson Tri Widiyanti said the ongoing shortages could not be addressed solely through statements assuring the public that fuel stocks were sufficient and distribution was running smoothly. She stressed that residents needed reliable fuel supplies and concrete solutions rather than promises.
According to Tri Widiyanti, Pertamina’s president director must take responsibility for the company’s management and fuel distribution performance. She argued that leadership positions at state-owned enterprises carry obligations to ensure essential public services function properly.
IWO Bali is urging the government and Pertamina’s shareholders to conduct a serious evaluation of Mantiri’s leadership. If the evaluation establishes that he has failed to ensure adequate fuel supplies and effective distribution, his removal should be considered.
Tri Widiyanti commonly known as Widy, said Bali residents should not continue bearing the consequences of distribution problems. Long queues at fuel stations are not merely a technical issue but also affect people’s time, expenses, productivity and access to essential energy services.
The impact extends to workers, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), transport drivers and journalists who depend on mobility to carry out their daily responsibilities. Fuel shortages could also disrupt Bali’s tourism industry and broader economic activity.
“People should not be forced to queue for hours while those with the authority only issue statements that fail to address conditions on the ground. The public has the right to transparent explanations, certainty of supply and practical solutions,” said Widy, a journalist with Metrobali.co.id.
IWO Bali has also called on Pertamina to disclose detailed information about fuel stocks across Bali, actual distribution volumes to each region, the causes of the shortages and specific measures, including a clear timeline, to restore normal supply.
The association further urged the government to conduct a comprehensive review of the fuel distribution chain and investigate any suspected irregularities if sufficient evidence emerges. Any alleged violations, it said, must be examined objectively and handled in accordance with the law.
Tri emphasized that the effectiveness of the response should be measured by conditions on the ground rather than press conferences or public appeals.
“Success must be measured by whether fuel is available, queues have eased and people can resume their activities normally. Pertamina’s president director must be accountable to the public. If an evaluation establishes that he has failed to fulfill his responsibilities, we call for his removal,” she said.
IWO Bali said accountability, transparency and a clear recovery plan are essential to resolving the fuel shortages and restoring public confidence.
