Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has warned that any individual causing shortages of staple goods and other essential items may face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rp50 billion."The government under my leadership will not hesitate. We will always be firm against those who make people's lives difficult, those who seek profits at the expense of the suffering of the underprivileged," he emphasized at the parliamentary complex here on Friday.
He explained that the government will consistently exercise all of its authority based on the 1945 Constitution and Law No. 7 of 2014 on Trade, especially Article 107 in conjunction with Article 29 paragraph 1.
The President then read out Article 29 paragraph (1) of Law No. 7 of 2014: "Businesses who hoard staple goods and/or essential items in certain quantities and time periods during scarcity, price volatility, and/or traffic disruptions may be subject to imprisonment for a maximum of five years and/or a maximum fine of Rp50 billion."
Prabowo also warned fraudulent businesspeople or those with such intentions that the government would stay alert to acts of fraud, manipulation, deception, hoarding attempts, and other activities that hinder food distribution to the public.
"I assure you, any companies that dare to manipulate or violate the law, we will take legal action. We will confiscate what can be confiscated. We will protect the people, we will defend the interests of the people," he stressed.
Baca juga: Indonesia cannot be conquered, says President Prabowo
The Head of State further warned business actors not to act arbitrarily.
"Never assume that the big and the rich can do as they please. We are not afraid of your size. We are not afraid of your wealth because your wealth comes from the people of Indonesia," President Prabowo added.
Baca juga: Prabowo lands in Singapore to attend National Day parade
Prabowo was delivering his state address during the 2025 People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD).
Following Prabowo's state address, the session continued with a performance of national songs and concluded with the closing by the House Speaker.
