inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Head of the Indonesian National Police (INP) Food Task Force, Brigadier General Helfi Assegaf, issued a telegram ordering all Directorates of General Crimes at all police stations to conduct market operations. The telegram, numbered ST/1850/VIII/OTL.1.1.1./2025, was dated August 12, 2025.

Helfi stated that the order was issued due to a shortage of premium rice.

"Yes, there was a shortage yesterday, but it has been suppressed," said Helfi on Friday (8/15/2025).

The letter stated that the current rice situation would worsen if rice producers withdrew their products. He then ordered law enforcement regarding premium rice suspected of being of substandard quality, leading to stock shortages and price increases in traditional markets and modern retailers.

To the Regional Food Task Force Heads, Helfi ordered the monitoring and checking of rice stocks in the warehouses of businesses, rice producers, and distributors. 

Law enforcement will certainly be taken if hoarding or non-distribution of premium rice is discovered. However, he stated that rice conditions in the market have now returned to normal.

"The rice is now fully stocked," he explained.

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