Indonesia's Agriculture Minister moves to revoke fortified rice licenses amid fraud scandal

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, who also heads the National Food Agency (Bapanas), convened student and youth groups in Jakarta to rally support against a fortified‑rice mafia that is inflating prices and compromising nutrition. He warned that fortified rice, intended for low‑income families to prevent stunting, is being sold at up to Rp42,000 per kilogram, with an estimated consumer loss of around Rp71 trillion.

The minister announced a crackdown that includes withdrawing the distribution permits of non‑compliant fortified rice brands. Of the 15 brands inspected, 13 failed quality standards, and laboratory tests showed only 3 of 12 samples met the required nutritional specifications. Out of roughly 40 existing permits, those linked to substandard or illegal products will be cancelled, and legal action will be pursued through the Food Task Force and police. The effort is directed by President Prabowo Subianto to protect the public and uphold food security.