[REVISION HISTORY]

Indonesian rice market manipulation investigation

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2026-11-02 05:18 UTC → 2026-11-03 13:21 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Indonesian Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has raised alarms regarding the existence of a “rice mafia” involved in price manipulation and fraud. During an inflation control meeting, the Minister noted that even minor price increases can generate illicit daily profits of up to Rp 200 billion. He reported that fraudulent practices have evolved from rice adulteration to the manipulation of fortified rice, with laboratory tests allegedly showing some products lack promised vitamin B12 content. Following these reports, inspections in East Jakarta confirmed instances where subsidized Stabilisasi Pasokan dan Harga Pangan (SPHP) rice was allegedly mixed with premium rice to increase profit margins. Minister Amran characterized food as a strategic commodity and stated that the government will not tolerate the manipulation of food distribution. He has expressed support for law enforcement actions by the Indonesian National Police to dismantle these illegal ~~networks and protect farmers and consumers.~~ networks. In response to ongoing investigations, the Indonesian National Food Agency (Bapanas) and Minister Amran Sulaiman have implemented a moratorium on issuing new distribution permits for fortified rice products. This measure follows allegations that producers are misrepresenting nutritional content and quality on labels. Law enforcement agencies, including the Indonesian National Police (Polri), have moved the investigation of two producers to a formal stage. PT DTA is accused of violating regulations regarding vitamin levels and nutritional labeling across five brands, while PT UDS in North Sumatra is under investigation for its four brands. ~~Amran Sulaiman~~ Bapanas Deputy Andriko Noto Susanto stated the moratorium aims to ~~prevent~~ strengthen product governance and ensure consumer ~~deception~~ protection. The agency is currently working to verify fortificant kernels and ~~noted the~~ improve production capabilities to meet national standards. This crackdown ~~is a direct mandate from President Prabowo Subianto.~~ follows inspections revealing that 25 out of 27 examined fortified rice brands failed to meet established requirements, specifically regarding the labeling of vitamins B6, B9, B12, and iron levels.

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