“If we succeed in addressing all illegal practices by enforcing regulations, we will be able to boost people’s purchasing power,” he remarked in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday.
Sulaiman affirmed that failing to address fraud in the trade and distribution of rice, fertilizer, and cooking oil could impede national economic growth.
He further emphasized that economically disadvantaged groups tend to bear the heaviest brunt of fraudulent practices that distort prices and lower the quality of these essential food commodities.
“Everyone needs food, and it is crucial for us to pay close attention to those struggling with poverty,” Sulaiman remarked.
Bearing this in mind, he called on all relevant stakeholders, especially business actors, to comply with regulations and support the government’s efforts to strengthen purchasing power and improve farmers’ welfare.
Related news: Minister undeterred by intimidation pursues rice fraud crackdown
Sulaiman also reiterated his commitment to guiding the Agriculture Ministry in supporting President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of a robust agricultural sector to achieve food self-sufficiency and transform Indonesia into the world’s food barn.
The minister has earlier expressed a similar stance, stating that he would not waver in cracking down on rice trade fraud despite facing intimidation.
Sulaiman admitted to having received warnings about crossing “influential figures” allegedly behind the fraud recently uncovered by the government.
“However, the president has ordered me to deal with corruption and mafia networks in the food sector. In response, I voiced my determination to follow up on this case,” he stated on July 4.
He made these statements in connection with an investigation into 212 rice brands by the Agriculture Ministry, the National Food Agency (Bapanas), the Attorney General’s Office, and the police.
The probe revealed violations related to quality, pricing, and weight standards, believed to have caused pricing anomalies despite Indonesia recording a 57-year high of 4.2 million tons in rice stocks.
Related news: Indonesia loses Rp2 trillion annually in rice subsidy fraud: minister
Translator: Muhammad H, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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