President Prabowo Subianto strongly criticized corrupt practices in Indonesia’s rice trade during his speech at the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB) on July 23. He vowed to take action against companies that manipulate and raise the price of subsidized rice, estimating that these practices cost the country up to Rp100 trillion annually. Prabowo highlighted the comprehensive subsidies provided for rice production, from seeds to irrigation systems, and denounced the re-packaging of rice as ‘premium’ for higher prices. He disclosed that 212 rice milling companies have been identified as guilty of such actions and called for the return of illicit profits. The President condemned these practices as criminal and a violation of the Constitution, emphasizing the loss of funds that could have been directed towards improving public services. He issued instructions to the National Police Chief and the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute those involved in this scheme, emphasizing the constitutional mandate to regulate vital sectors that impact people’s livelihood, such as rice. This crackdown is based on the Constitution’s Article 33, affirming the state’s responsibility to control sectors essential for the nation’s well-being.
Prabowo Promises to Crack Down on Rice Distribution Cheating: Rp100 Trillion Lost
