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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

Indonesia vows to eradicate 'food mafias' harming national security

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture is committed to eradicating "food mafias" who engage in illegal practices like hoarding and speculation.
  • Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman stated the government is aligned with the President and Vice President to ensure food sovereignty and security.
  • During President Jokowi's term, 784 food mafia cases were uncovered, leading to 411 arrests, and over 1,500 Ministry of Agriculture employees faced disciplinary action.

Indonesia is intensifying its fight against "food mafias" – individuals or groups involved in illegal and unethical practices within the food trade, such as hoarding, speculation, and counterfeiting. These actions can lead to price hikes, shortages, and food safety issues, prompting a serious and determined eradication effort.

Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman has issued a strong statement, declaring that the path to food self-sufficiency is clear and warning "mafias and their sympathizers" against sowing discord. He emphasized the ministry's unwavering alignment with the President and Vice President, prioritizing Indonesia's food sovereignty and security. "We are straight on with the President and Vice President. We are solid for the sovereignty and food security of Indonesia," Sulaiman stated.

The government's commitment is underscored by past actions. During President Jokowi's administration, 784 cases involving food mafias were investigated, resulting in 411 individuals being named as suspects. These cases spanned violations related to fertilizer, horticulture, livestock, and fraudulent practices in rice distribution. Internally, the Ministry of Agriculture has taken disciplinary measures against over 1,500 employees for integrity and discipline breaches, signaling a significant internal cleanup.

In the first 130 days of the current administration under President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran, the Ministry of Agriculture has continued its firm stance. This period saw 20 individuals identified as suspects and 50 companies facing legal proceedings for allegedly causing losses to the state and farmers. The ministry views combating corruption and related offenses as a primary commitment in its governance.

Currently, the road to food self-sufficiency is brightly lit. So, you mafias and your sympathizers, don't sow discord. We are straight on with the President and Vice President. We are solid for the sovereignty and food security of Indonesia.

— Amran SulaimanMinister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman's statement on combating food mafias and ensuring national food security.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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