President Prabowo Subianto has strongly criticized the corrupt practices prevalent in Indonesia’s rice trade, promising to take strict action against companies that manipulate and raise the prices of subsidized rice. During the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB), the President highlighted that such fraudulent schemes are causing the country to lose up to Rp100 trillion annually.
He pointed out how the process of subsidizing various aspects of rice production, from seeds to fertilizers, is misused by certain companies. Despite receiving subsidies and support from the government, these companies repackage the rice as “premium” and sell it at higher prices, cheating the consumers. Prabowo disclosed that 212 rice milling companies have been identified engaging in such dishonest practices and will be held accountable for their actions.
Calling this behavior a criminal offense, the President emphasized that it not only harms the people but also goes against the principles of the Constitution. He highlighted the massive financial impact of such practices, stressing that the lost revenue could have been utilized for crucial improvements in public services like education and healthcare.
President Prabowo declared that he has instructed the National Police Chief and the Attorney General to swiftly address this issue, indicating his zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in the rice trade. He clarified that his actions are driven by the constitutional obligation to safeguard vital sectors that impact the welfare of the citizens, such as the rice industry.
By ensuring accountability and cracking down on companies involved in unfair practices, the government aims to protect the interests of the people and uphold the integrity of the rice trade. President Prabowo’s firm stance reflects his commitment to combating corruption and promoting transparency in Indonesia’s agricultural sector.
