Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) has announced its reliance on the Indonesian National Police (INP)'s Food Task Force to address any legal violations concerning rice, which could lead to scarcity and price hikes of the commodity in Indonesia. Bayu Krisnamurthi, the President Director of Bulog, said in Jakarta on Tuesday (13/2/2024) that their responsibility is solely to ensure that rice prices remain stable in the market without causing harm to the public, antaranews.com reported. "If there are legal violations, it's the police's task, Bulog doesn't intervene, as there have been some incidents in the past. For example, violations against trademark laws, violations against laws on hoarding," he said. President Director Bayu emphasized that Bulog prioritizes its role in maintaining market price stability while also considering the quality and availability of rice to meet the needs of the people. "Bulog's approach is more about fighting in the market. Our fight is to ensure that the actions taken by distributors, retailers, and traders don't harm the public. So, Bulog aims to curb excessive profit-taking," he explained. The president director also revealed that although data indicates that rice sales have exceeded the highest retail price, known as HET, both at the merchant and farmer levels, Bulog strives to control against excessive price speculation. "We coordinate closely with them (Food Task Force), but Bulog's main task is on the market side," he added, referring to the INP's Food Task Force The INP's Food Task Force has conducted supervision and monitoring upstream and downstream regarding rice availability and distribution, as well as the adequacy of rice stocks available to the public. (mg/inp/pr/nm)