Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.   Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman confirmed on Monday (7/7/2025) that 10 of the largest rice producers have been investigated by the Food Task Force and Indonesian National Police’ (INP)s Criminal Investigation Agency for allegedly selling substandard rice and misleading consumers.

“The investigation is underway. Ten of the largest companies have already been summoned by the INP and the Food Task Force,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com

The probe follows a government report identifying 212 rice brands that failed to meet quality standards in terms of volume, labeling, and packaging integrity. The findings were submitted to the INP Chief and the Attorney General’s Office.

Minister Amran emphasized that enforcement is timely, as Indonesia’s rice stock has reached 4.2 million tons, ensuring no disruption to supply during the crackdown.

Government inspections, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, National Food Agency (Bapanas), Food Task Force, the Attorney General’s Office, and the INP, aim to protect farmers, honest businesses, and consumers alike.

The investigation was triggered by anomalies in rice prices and quality despite record-high national paddy production—the highest in 57 years.

Sampling tests revealed 85.56% of 136 premium rice brands failed to meet quality standards, 59.78% exceeded the Highest Retail Price (HET) and 21.66% did not meet declared net weight.

Meanwhile, among 76 medium-grade rice brands tested, 88.24% failed quality standards,  95.12% exceeded HET, and 9.38% misrepresented their net weight.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)