Agriculture Minister vows to act on 340 reports of irregularities

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has pledged to follow up on 340 public complaints concerning alleged irregularities in the agricultural sector received over the past two weeks to protect farmers and consumers and strengthen food security.

Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday, he said the complaints came through the "Lapor Pak Amran" (Report to Mr Amran) channel and concerned rice, fertilizer, agricultural machinery, and the rice field expansion program.

He said the government would make every effort to crack down on those he described as the food mafia and other parties found abusing government programs.

"We will first review the reports before conducting on-site verification and finally referring the cases to law enforcement authorities. Hence, I warn rice traders not to engage in irregular practices because we have already received reports. We will take firm action against violations confirmed through verification," Amran said.

The minister added that one issue under investigation is the alleged adulteration of rice distributed under the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program.

He said the government is investigating alleged illicit practices such as repeated milling of rice, repackaging it into different sacks, and unloading supplies at concealed locations to replace their packaging and labeling.

Investigations had led to the naming of 13 suspects in eight cases involving 15 brands of fortified rice, he added.

Amran said that rice distributed under the SPHP program must not be misused, as it serves as a government instrument to maintain adequate rice supplies and ensure affordable prices for the public.

He urged businesses to comply with the maximum retail price and the government's purchasing price to protect consumers and farmers, respectively.

The minister also encouraged the public to report suspected irregularities through the Lapor Pak Amran channel at 0811-1312-312, providing detailed information to facilitate prompt follow-up action.

He assured the public that whistleblowers would remain anonymous, saying the ministry would not disclose their identities.

"Thank you to all citizens who have submitted reports. You have contributed to our beloved country. Indonesia must be free from the food cartels," he said.

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Translator: M. Harianto, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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