MinyaKita is a government program to provide affordable cooking oil to the people. Recently, the government detected quantity deception in packaged oil. The packages were supposed to contain one liter of oil, but only had 700–800 ml of oil.
"Severe penalties for perpetrators involved in this fraud must be given as a deterrent effect and leave no loopholes for similar practices in the future," she stressed in a statement issued on Friday.
According to Maharani, the fraud occurred due to lack of supervision, which irresponsible individuals took advantage of.
"The government must evaluate the supervision system that allows this type of crime," she added.
Maharani said that MinyaKita quality fraud must serve as a lesson to prevent similar cases from recurring in the future.
Without firm action and improvement in the supervision system, public trust in the food aid program will continue to decline, she cautioned.
She then reminded that the circulation of MinyaKita is expected to have an impact on public health.
"The state must ensure that the welfare and justice of the people are not sacrificed just because of weak supervision," Maharani stated.
To prevent similar cases from recurring, she asked Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to conduct periodic supervision and inspection of MinyaKita.
"BPOM must increase periodic supervision and inspection of food products in all production and distribution lines. This includes checking other cooking oil brands. DPR will also take part in supervision to ensure the public's safety," she added.
She also reminded the Trade Ministry and the food task force to create a more transparent monitoring system for better supervision of the distribution chain of subsidized products.
Related news: MinyaKita scandal - Minister demands tough action against producers
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Translator: Melalusa Susthira, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Primayanti
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