Indah Handayani, Jakarta – The National Police announced on Saturday that 26 premium rice brands are under investigation for alleged mislabeling and price gouging, following a report from Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman.

The case is being handled by the police's food task force, which suspects that standard- or low-quality rice is being sold as premium products at inflated prices. Authorities said the investigation will expand to uncover the networks behind the alleged trade violations.

"Dozens of other rice brands will also be investigated," said Brigadier General Helfi Assegaf, head of the food task force.

Executives from four major rice companies have already been summoned for questioning over allegations of selling low-quality rice with inaccurate net weight labels and at prices exceeding the government's ceiling price. These companies include Wilmar Group, Food Station Tjipinang Jaya, Belitang Panen Raya, and Sentosa Utama Lestari.

Their brands include Sania, Sovia, Fortune, Siip, Alfamidi Setra Pulen, and Ayana, among others.

"If we find incriminating evidence, we will proceed according to the applicable laws," Helfi said.

The police's action has drawn praise from market analysts, who said it could help restore public trust in domestic rice supplies.

Muhammad Makky, an agricultural expert from Andalas University, said police involvement supports the government's food security agenda.

"I appreciate the collaboration between the food task force and the Agriculture Ministry for their consistent efforts to combat organized crime in the food sector. I hope the ongoing investigation will lead to a clear resolution," Makky said.

Hudi Yusuf, a legal expert from Bung Karno University, called the practice of selling standard rice as premium a serious crime due to the harm it causes to consumers.

"People pay a premium price but don't receive the quality they expect," Hudi said, highlighting Wilmar Group's history of legal issues, including its past involvement in illegal crude palm oil exports and alleged obstruction of justice.

Separately, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman confirmed he had submitted a list of more than 200 rice brands suspected of mislabeling and price gouging to both the National Police chief and the Attorney General.

"The investigation was formally launched on July 10 – just two days ago – and we hope there will be firm action against such crimes," Amran said.

He also issued a public warning to rice suppliers and producers:

"Sell rice according to the established quality standards. Don't label a 5-kilogram package if it only contains 4.5 kilograms," he stressed.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/police-probe-major-rice-companies-over-alleged-premium-label-frau