inp.polri.go.id - East Java. The East Java Regional Police Food Task Force is investigating the sale of premium rice above the Highest Retail Price (HET) discovered during a surprise inspection at Pucang Market, Surabaya.

The Director of the Special Criminal Investigation Unit of the East Java Regional Police and Head of the East Java Food Task Force, Senior Superintendent Dodi Ruyatman, stated that the inspection was conducted to validate the food supply, particularly premium rice, at the market level.

"The Food Task Force went down together to check the rice supply, especially the premium one. We confirmed information regarding the scarcity and high price of premium rice in the market," Dodi said on the sidelines of the inspection.

Based on the monitoring results, the stock of premium rice at Pucang Market is relatively safe and available. Several brands are still being sold according to the applicable price regulations.

However, officers found several premium rice brands being sold at prices above the HET. 

Dodi stated that the East Java Regional Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate will investigate the rice supply chain to determine the cause of the price increase down to the trader level.

"We will investigate the source of the rice supply sold above the HET. We must understand the distribution chain that leads to price spikes at the merchant level," he said.

In addition to monitoring prices, the East Java Food Task Force is tightening supervision to anticipate fraudulent practices and speculation in the rice trade.

One method being monitored is the adulteration or repackaging of medium-grade rice using premium rice packaging to gain greater profits.

“However, specifically at Pucang Market today, they have not found any indication of such fraud. We will continue to monitor regularly," said Dodi.

In addition to rice, the joint team is also ensuring the availability of Minyakita cooking oil at the downstream level. The price from the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) is set at IDR 15,700 to maintain affordability.

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