Jakarta (ANTARA) – Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said Indonesia’s Food Task Force has named 39 suspects in 38 cases linked to alleged irregularities in the rice sector, as authorities intensified efforts to dismantle food cartels and protect consumers.
Speaking in Jakarta on Sunday, Amran said the government was expanding inspections of fortified rice and other rice products to curb unfair trade practices and ensure consumers received quality food at reasonable prices.
“The public keeps asking where the suspects are. They have been identified, and the legal process is under way. The state must not lose to practices that harm the people,” Amran said.
He said the government, working with the National Food Agency, the National Police’s Food Task Force, regional administrations, and law enforcement agencies, had collected rice samples from across the country to examine quality, nutritional content, legal compliance, and pricing.
Government inspections indicated alleged irregularities involving fortified rice could have caused public losses of about 71 trillion rupiah (US$4.34 billion), while suspected violations involving premium rice were estimated at around 98 trillion rupiah (US$5.99 billion), Amran said.
The crackdown followed President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to improve food trade governance, eliminate food cartels, and safeguard the public’s right to affordable, high-quality food, he added.
Several youth and student organizations voiced support for the government’s campaign against alleged food cartels during the event.
Hanif Caniago, chairman of the Central Executive Board of Pemuda Hidayatullah, said his organization was ready to support the Agriculture Ministry’s efforts to eradicate food cartels.
“We believe the minister has the courage to defend the public interest, and we will help ensure the policy is implemented effectively for the benefit of society,” Hanif said.
Ida Rahayu, a member of the Indonesian Association of Livestock Student Senates, said tackling alleged fraud involving fortified rice was crucial because its impact was felt directly by farmers and consumers.
She said decisive government action was necessary because unresolved irregularities would harm not only consumers but also farmers, adding that students were prepared to support policies benefiting small-scale farmers and livestock producers.
Tommy Suswanto, chairman of the National University Student Executive Board Alumni Association, said combating food cartels was a shared responsibility requiring cooperation across all sectors of society.
“We share the minister’s view. Food cartels that damage the national economy must be eradicated together,” Tommy said.
Translator: M.Harianto, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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