Amran Exposes 25 Brands Involved in Fortified Rice Violations
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Agriculture Minister and head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Amran Sulaiman, has disclosed a list of rice brands suspected of failing to comply with fortification requirements. Of 27 brands identified by the government, 25 were declared not to meet the standard (TMS).
Amran made the announcement when revealing the results of the government’s inspection of fortified rice. According to the presentation, there were 27 trade names on the inspection list, with 25 classified as TMS whilst the other two met the standard (MS).
The 25 brands with TMS status were displayed using initials: WFO, WFR, TKS, IMF, NUR, TKL, HOK, BRV, IMR, IHJ, IAK, PBK, GNB, DTR, TKR, WJK, PLK, MKY, IMC, PTK, ARP, ARN, SKM, GNM and TAR.
Amran said these brands were marketed as fortified rice, but laboratory testing suggested their contents did not match the labels displayed.
“It turns out there is an allegation of switching from premium to fortified rice. They claimed it was fortified. After we checked at four credible laboratories, we found it did not match the label,” Amran said at a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Tuesday (15/9/2026).
He noted the products were also sold far above their fair prices. One of the highest was the brand with initials WFO, recorded at Rp57,600 per kg against a fair price of Rp13,500 per kg — an alleged fraud margin of Rp44,100 per kg.
Brand WFR was recorded at Rp42,500 per kg against a fair price of Rp13,500 per kg, whilst WJK was sold at Rp33,800 per kg compared with a fair price of Rp14,900 per kg.
Overall, the presentation recorded an average selling price of Rp23,385 per kg against an average fair price of Rp13,689 per kg, with an average alleged fraud margin of Rp9,695 per kg.
Amran stressed that fortified rice is intended for vulnerable groups, including the poor, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants and those related to stunting.
“Fortification is for stunting, for the poor, pregnant and breastfeeding women, toddlers — not for fraud by rogue elements and rent-seekers. This must be firm,” he asserted.
The government estimates alleged consumer losses from the practice could reach Rp89 trillion.
“Alleged, yes — still alleged. We presume innocence. The alleged loss is Rp89 trillion,” Amran said.
Following the findings, the government has ordered the problematic products withdrawn from circulation. Amran also said the products’ licences would be revoked and the matter processed legally.
“First, we have ordered a recall; second, revoke the licences; third, process them legally. Firm,” he declared.
He also urged the public not to buy the rice brands identified in the findings.
“And consumers, do not buy. Consumers, do not buy,” he concluded.