While acknowledging the discovery of unethical practices committed by some producers of MinyaKita oil, Santoso expressed confidence that these incidents do not necessarily represent the entire subsidized cooking oil industry.
"People do not need to panic despite the exposed violations. Yes, we must take action against such deviations, but we assure you that the distribution process continues," he told the public in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Santoso emphasized that the Ministry of Trade, along with the Food Task Force of the National Police (Polri), had launched investigations and are monitoring the producers and repackers of MinyaKita, also known as the people's oil.
The minister highlighted that as a result of these collaborative efforts, two companies, PT Navyta Nabati Indonesia and PT Aya Rasa Nabati, were shut down due to their involvement in the scandal.
He assured the public that those found violating regulations would face administrative penalties or similar consequences to those faced by the two companies mentioned.
"We expect responsible practices, as I believe not all producers and distributors are at fault. Many of the oil products circulating in the market are trustworthy," he stated.
Santoso made these remarks following the discovery of MinyaKita oil products with volumes that did not match the labeled quantity at Lenteng Agung Market in South Jakarta on March 8.
The Polri has named the branch head and manager of PT Aya Rasa Nabati, identified as AWI, as a suspect in the oil quantity fraud.
This oil scandal violates Trade Minister Regulation No. 18 of 2024 on packaged palm cooking oil and the governance of the people's oil, as well as Law No. 8 of 1999 on consumer protection.
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Translator: Maria C, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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