TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has called on the government to take decisive action against rice mafia found guilty of cheating, such as non-compliance with quality standards, weight, and maximum retail price, as well as being unregistered Fresh Plant Origin Food (Pangan Segar Asal Tumbuhan - PSAT). As previously stated, the Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman revealed fraudulent practices by 212 rice brands potentially causing consumer losses of up to Rp 99.35 trillion per year.
YLKI Chairperson Niti Emiliana stated that these findings indicate violations of Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture Number 31 of 2017 as well as the National Food Agency Regulation Number 5 of 2024 concerning Amendments to the National Food Agency Regulation Number 7 of 2023 Regarding the Highest Retail Price of Rice. "YLKI deeply regrets these findings, as it clearly demonstrates the blatant disregard for consumer rights," she stated in a written statement received by Tempo, on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
YLKI urges the government to closely monitor the circulation of rice in the market to ensure its quality and quantity compliance. The government is also urged not to hesitate in imposing sanctions on businesses that do not adhere to standards.
She emphasized that there should be no bargaining position for rice sellers who do not meet the standards and repeatedly seek high profits. "Towards offenders like this, the government should not hesitate to impose strict sanctions," said Niti.
YLKI also calls on the government to firmly address rice business actors proven to harm consumers to the tune of trillions per year. If the rice sold does not meet the standards, the business actors face a five-year imprisonment and a fine of Rp 2 billion, based on Article 8 of Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection."
Niti stated that the fraudulent actions of rice sellers will reduce consumer confidence in the quality of rice in the market. Therefore, she asks the government to clarify the quality and quantity of rice commodities sold in the market to the public.
According to YLKI, it's time for the government to revise the Consumer Protection Law or supplement it with strict sanctions against essential commodities for the nation, including foodstuffs. She reminded the government to ensure consumer protection from inflated prices exceeding the maximum retail price, non-compliant quality and quantity standards, to supply chain disruptions resulting in scarcity of goods in the market.
Niti said that people who feel aggrieved by these fraudulent practices can complain and request compensation. YLKI also urges the government to open a consumer complaint center regarding rice products that do not meet standards.
"YLKI also opens a space for consumer complaints regarding rice issues in the market, this will be an evaluation material that will be submitted to stakeholders," said Niti.
Previously, Minister Amran revealed that 212 rice brands examined in ten provinces did not comply with quality standards, weight, and maximum retail price. He has officially reported these 212 rice brands to the Indonesian National Police Chief (Kapolri) and the Attorney General for follow-up.
Based on the Ministry of Agriculture's calculation, the potential loss for premium rice consumers reaches Rp 34.21 trillion per year. Meanwhile, medium rice consumers could potentially lose up to Rp 65.14 trillion per year. "From 13 laboratories in ten provinces, we found that 85.56 percent of premium rice did not meet quality standards, 59.78 percent were sold above the maximum retail price, and 21 percent did not meet weight standards. This is very detrimental to the public," said Amran in a written statement quoted on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Editor's Choice: 212 Non-compliant Premium Rice Brands Discovered in Indonesia, Costing Consumers Up to Rp99tn per Year
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