Amran: Fraud in Coconut Seedling Nurseries Unearthed, Potential Loss Rp3.3 Billion

JAKARTA — Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said his ministry has uncovered suspected fraud in coconut seedling breeding projects in five provinces. The programme is part of the rejuvenation and downstream development of strategic plantation commodities envisioned by President Prabowo Subianto.

Amran said that some time ago his ministry carried out a spot inspection of seedling nurseries in Manado, North Sulawesi. ‘We checked the field and several sites did not meet the standards we want,’ Amran told reporters at his residence in South Jakarta on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

The findings were reported at nurseries in Banten showing a shortfall of 44,654 saplings worth Rp 799 million, North Sulawesi with 20,518 saplings worth Rp 976 million. Then, West Java 38,654 saplings worth Rp 771 million, Gorontalo 1,049 saplings worth Rp 51 million and Indragiri Hilir 31,920 saplings worth Rp 718 million. ‘The value is around Rp 3.3 billion,’ Amran said.

According to him, the losses remain potential as the parties involved could still meet the shortfall. However, if the programme implementer does not replace the shortfalls, it could lead to state losses and could be taken to the courts. ‘If they want to continue, then criminal charges,’ he added.

A Prabowo ally said that the ministry had asked the Inspectorate General (Itjen) of the Ministry of Agriculture, together with the police and the Food Task Force, to go to the field. They will trace the alleged realisation of the project that does not align with the government’s assignment.

Amran even claimed to have called the Chief of the Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim), Komjen Syahardiantono, to take action on the case. ‘We want this checked and action taken promptly if it is criminal; we want no one spared, and state funds returned,’ Amran asserted.