Indonesia's Agriculture Minister Rallies Youth to Combat Rice Mafia

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has rallied hundreds of youth representatives, students, and academics to join a national movement against alleged "fortified rice mafias." Speaking at his Jakarta residence on Sunday, the minister urged the young generation to actively participate in eradicating these groups, which he accused of exploiting a program meant for the poor.

Sulaiman framed the issue not just as one of high rice prices but as a potential fraud that deprives the poor of their right to affordable, nutritious food. "Fortification is made for the poor, to help prevent stunting by adding vitamins and minerals. But if it enters the market at Rp 42,000 per kilogram, how can the poor afford it?" he questioned, highlighting the discrepancy between the intended beneficiaries and the market price.

The minister estimated that the alleged malpractice could cost the public around Rp 71 trillion. He explained that if medium-quality rice, costing about Rp 10,000 per kilogram, is sold as fortified rice for Rp 42,000 without added value, the price difference represents a loss to the people. "This is the substance that the President is fighting against," Sulaiman stated, urging against diverting the issue to other topics.

He also clarified a previous report of a Rp 2 trillion profit, stating it was not a company's profit but the estimated value of public losses due to misleading consumers. "This is fraud against the public, not just a business matter," he asserted. Similar practices were found with premium rice not meeting quality standards but sold at higher prices, potentially causing another Rp 98 trillion in public losses. The ministry is working with law enforcement to uncover these practices.