Public Doubt over Pertalite Quality: From Brebet Engines to Trust Issues
Over the past week, residents in several areas of East Java — including Tuban, Lamongan, Gresik, Sidoarjo, and Surabaya — have complained that their motorcycles were “brebet” (sputtering), losing power, or difficult to accelerate after refueling with Pertalite. These complaints sparked speculation that something was wrong with Pertalite’s quality, with some even suspecting unofficial ethanol mixing. The gasoline’s more alcohol-like smell has been cited as one of the signs.
Pertamina, through its subsidiary Patra Niaga, stated that laboratory tests on Pertalite samples from major terminals—particularly those in Tuban and Surabaya—showed that the product met all required specifications. Further investigation has since been directed toward distribution points (gas stations), as the issue may have occurred at the retail level.
The growing public concern has reached the national government. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, personally conducted a surprise inspection at a gas station in Pakis, Malang, on Wednesday (Oct 29). In tests carried out with the state oil and gas research institute Lemigas, laboratory results confirmed that the Pertalite quality at the inspected gas station met all applicable standards and was safe for use.
Nevertheless, Bahlil emphasized that the government would continue to investigate transparently and would not hesitate to impose sanctions if any violations were found—whether by gas station operators or by Pertamina itself.
In response to the wave of complaints, Ahad Rahedi, Area Manager of Communication, Relations & CSR at Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jatimbalinus, announced that the company had set up an official complaint post at the Kebonsari gas station in Surabaya. The post received around 20 reports within just the first three days (October 28–30, 2025) from people experiencing engine sputtering.
Pertamina also took immediate compensation measures by replacing customers’ fuel with Pertamax in equal volume to their Pertalite purchase, and by covering service costs of up to Rp150,000 per vehicle. This quick response aimed to calm public anxiety, even though the root cause of the issue has yet to be fully identified.
Public Doubt Toward Pertamina
The brebet phenomenon cannot be dismissed as merely a technical issue involving engines or fuel quality. It reveals a deeper concern: the public’s trust in the national energy distribution system.
As a subsidized fuel, Pertalite represents more than just a product—it symbolizes the state’s role in ensuring fair and affordable energy access. When citizens begin to doubt its quality—especially after directly experiencing engine damage—those doubts can grow into a crisis of confidence toward both the energy provider and its regulator.
Pertamina has reaffirmed that, based on its internal inspections, Pertalite specifications at main distribution terminals remain within standards. However, the vulnerable point lies in the final distribution chain—from the terminal to the gas stations, and finally into consumers’ tanks. This is where national fuel monitoring and auditing systems are truly tested. Should there be negligence, contamination, or off-standard mixing, stricter and more transparent detection and enforcement mechanisms are required.
The Pertalite brebet case serves as an important mirror for how a public product—relied upon daily by millions—needs oversight systems that are not only technical but also social and moral.
Three key steps must be prioritized: independent audits, transparency, and consistent compensation policies.
An independent audit is crucial to build public confidence in the fuel testing results. Next, transparency—from terminals to gas stations—is essential to eliminate opportunities for manipulation. Lastly, consistent compensation must be coupled with thorough investigation and independent audits to ensure it is not just a short-term fix.
Brebet Is Not Just Brebet
To some, this brebet issue may seem trivial. Yet it reveals small cracks in the national fuel distribution system—especially in the context of subsidized energy, which is not only about price but also about quality, distribution, and trust.
If left unresolved without concrete solutions, today’s technical problems could eventually lead to a greater erosion of public confidence in the future. The subsidy program, meant to help citizens and serve as a fundamental right, could end up backfiring—leaving people doubtful that the government can truly uphold those rights.
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