Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto is devising several policies to make rice distribution fairer and more transparent and prevent fraudulent practices in the market, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said at the Presidential Palace complex here on Friday.
“What the President (wanted to) convey is the result of discussions during that limited meeting,” he informed after a limited meeting with ministers and relevant government agency officials earlier in the morning.
He added that President Prabowo has been routinely receiving reports of unethical practices such as the manipulation of rice price and quality by certain businesses.
“There are still those who shamelessly take profits in ways they should not. He routinely receives such reports, which is why we are taking action,” Hadi said.
Measures to deter such fraudulent practices include simplifying rice classifications and tightening oversight of rice mills, which could include assigning a special supervisory role to state-owned logistics company Bulog.
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Hadi further said that rice pricing has been regulated through the enforcement of the government purchase price (HPP) and the highest retail price (HET).
“The price of dry-harvested unhusked rice among farmers is now stable and in line with the HPP,” he informed.
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However, violations are still being detected, such as companies mixing or repackaging rice to sell it at prices above the HET.
When asked about Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan’s statement on eliminating premium and medium rice classifications, Hadi said that the move is a part of the government’s effort to ensure consumer rights.
“It is aimed at finding a solution, so that the public can get their rights fulfilled in a fair and reasonable manner,” he added.
