Deputy Agriculture Minister: Report and Go Viral on Food Traders Selling Above HET Price
Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan) Sudaryono stated that the government will take firm action against traders selling food items above the Maximum Retail Price (HET). He called on the public to actively report traders selling food staples above the HET, especially ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
“So, everyone, fellow media colleagues, ladies and gentlemen across the nation, if you find prices not matching the HET, prices higher than that, please just report it, no problem. There are phone numbers, for example, report to Mr Amran, or via social media, or go viral if you want,” Sudaryono said during a press conference at the Bina Graha Building, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (18/3/2025).
Sudaryono explained that the government has formed a joint task force to oversee food distribution and pricing. The task force involves the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Food Agency, and law enforcement from the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri).
“How do we ensure no individuals take advantage of the situation, especially during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr when sometimes people hoard or stockpile? The threats include administrative sanctions like revoking business licences, or if there’s intent and criminal elements found, apologies, but we cannot say we won’t pursue criminal investigations,” he said.
Sudaryono added that the government has examples of past enforcement against similar violations. Therefore, he urged businesses not to manipulate prices.
“And there have been several examples in various places and past times; violators will be dealt with firmly. Why? Because this concerns the livelihood of many people—rice, corn, chillies, chicken, and so on—especially during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr,” he said.
On the other hand, Sudaryono revealed that President Prabowo is intensively monitoring national food price developments. The monitoring is done regularly through reports from the Ministry of Agriculture, media, and public submissions.
“Lastly, regarding prices of important commodities, Mr President monitors them closely, regularly, and intensively. Both Minister of Agriculture Mr Amran, my superior, including me, we are monitored on which prices are rising and which are not, including if prices rise from social media reports and others, to be immediately followed up,” he said.