inp.polri.go.id - East Nusa Tenggara. The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police Food Task Force found several merchants selling Minyakita above the highest retail price.
The police together with related agencies held a market operation in Kupang City to ensure price stability and availability of basic necessities ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1446 H.
This operation was carried out in several strategic locations, including the Kasih Naikoten Market, Bulog Warehouse, and the Grocery Distributor Warehouse in Alak Village, Saturday (3/1/2025).
In the inspection led by Police Senior Inspector Rendy Widya Widyadharma, they found several violations such as repackaging Bulog rice with premium rice package by several merchants at the Kasih Naikoten Market.
"We found indications of repackaging Bulog rice into premium rice. Regarding this, we have given a warning to traders not to repeat the act. If it is still found, we will take action according to applicable legal procedures," he said on Saturday (3/1/2025).
In addition, the Food Task Force also found Minyakita cooking oil was sold above the Highest Retail Price (HET), which should be sold at IDR 15,700 per liter. In the inspection police found that the cooking oil price on the market reached IDR 17,000 to IDR 18,000 per liter.
"This increase occurred because the price from the producers themselves was already high, so it affected the selling price at the retail level. Together with the Trade and Industry Office, we have given a warning and will take action according to regulations if this wrongdoings continues," he explained.
Although there were several findings, the monitoring results showed that food prices in the market were still stable. The stock of basic necessities such as meat, chicken, and chilies is also guaranteed to be sufficient until Eid al-Fitr.
The official of Bulog NTT, Sugeng Hardono, ensured that the supply of rice in the NTT region is safe and sufficient for the needs of the community.
"Currently, the rice stock in the NTT region has reached 21,000 tons, and there will be a gradual addition of 10,000 tons from within the country, including from the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Office and the South Sulawesi Regional Office. In addition, we are also maximizing the supply from the NTT region itself so that distribution is more even," he said.
This market operation will continue to be carried out to ensure that there is no price speculation or hoarding that is detrimental to the community. With strict supervision from the Food Task Force, it is hoped that the community can enjoy Ramadan solemnly.
(ad/fa/pr/nm)
