The minister urged all producers and business operators to improve their product quality if it does not meet government standards, warning that sanctions will be imposed for substandard products.
“We once again urge those whose products are not up to standard to make improvements, as the National Police Food Task Force will be operating down to the regional level,” the minister remarked here on Monday.
Sulaiman drew attention to an investigation by his ministry and other relevant stakeholders that found 212 out of 268 rice brands had failed to comply with government standards for quality, weight, and the maximum retail price (HET).
Consequently, the Ministry of Agriculture has reported these 212 rice producers to National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and the Attorney General’s Office for alleged misconduct in rice trade.
“Investigations are already ongoing. Ten of the largest companies have been summoned by the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) and the National Police Food Task Force,” the minister stated.
Sulaiman further emphasized that his ministry would publicly announce the names of the 212 non-compliant rice brands if the companies do not demonstrate good faith and correct their violations in the near future.
He also noted that while prices at the farmer level have decreased, they have surged at the consumer level—an irregularity currently being investigated by the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Police Food Task Force, the Attorney General’s Office, and the National Food Agency (Bapanas).
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Translator: Harianto, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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