Fighting the Food Mafia

From various literature, it is known that the ‘Food Mafia’ refers to groups or individuals engaging in illegal or unethical practices in food trade, such as hoarding – storing large quantities of food to influence prices – speculation, buying food to resell at higher prices, or falsification, altering food quality for profit. Such practices can cause food price hikes, shortages, and security issues, hence the need to combat them thoroughly.

Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman has made a clear statement: ‘Currently, the path to food self-sufficiency is clear. So, you mafia and sympathisers, stop sowing discord. We stand firmly with the President and Vice President. We are united for Indonesia’s food sovereignty and security.’ The government is resolute in eradicating the food mafia.

During President Jokowi’s administration, 784 food mafia cases were uncovered with 411 suspects. Cases involved fertilizer, horticulture, livestock, and rice distribution fraud. Over 1,500 Ministry of Agriculture staff were demoted or transferred due to discipline and integrity violations.

Under the current Prabowo-Gibran administration, the ministry has continued strict measures, with 20 suspects and 50 companies under legal proceedings for harming the state and farmers. Minister Amran has warned that academics from prestigious universities may face imprisonment.

Known as ‘Mr Clean’, Amran Sulaiman is uncompromising on corruption. The food mafia must be eradicated to prevent unjust price hikes, shortages, and health risks, which threaten the economy and public welfare. All must join the fight against this threat.