Food Security Maintained as Saber Task Force Issues 350 Warnings to Business Operators
The National Food Violation Saber Task Force (Satgas Saber) has mobilised to ensure food stability and security ahead of a series of major national religious celebrations in 2026. During a three-week monitoring operation, the task force issued 350 warning letters to business operators proven to have violated food distribution and pricing regulations.
This firm action was taken in response to swift food supply security measures, from Chinese New Year celebrations through Ramadan, to preparations for Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026.
National Police Chief Syahardiantono, as Directing Chair of the Task Force, emphasised that these enforcement measures represent consumer protection efforts amid increasing food demand.
“The Food Saber Task Force continues to conduct monitoring across various regions to ensure distribution runs smoothly, prices remain controlled, and products in circulation are safe for public consumption,” Syahardiantono stated in an official statement on Thursday (26 February 2026).
Accompanied by the Director of Special Crimes Investigation at the National Police, Brigadier General Ade Safri Simanjuntak, and the Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilisation at the National Food Agency (Bapanas), I Gusti Ketut Astawa, the National Police Chief warned business operators not to play with the people’s basic necessities.
Syahardiantono hoped business operators would comply with applicable regulations, such as maximum retail prices (HET), distribution, and food quality and safety standards. He stated his readiness to take firm action against any violations that could harm the community.
“If criminal elements are found, they will certainly be processed in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” he stated.
Since 5 February to 25 February 2026, the Central Food Saber Task Force has conducted 28,270 monitoring activities across all regions throughout Indonesia. The operation was not merely administrative but also involved technical field aspects.
Details of actions taken included direct inspections at 2,461 distributors and coordination to replenish empty stock through 898 activities. In addition to issuing 350 warning letters, the task force took further steps by recommending business licence revocation for one case and product circulation licence revocation for three other cases to enforce market discipline.
To ensure public food consumption safety, field teams also collected 35 food samples. The samples will be laboratory tested to ensure product quality is free from harmful substances.
Beyond administrative sanctions, the Food Saber Task Force has processed four food-related criminal cases harming the public. These cases involve smuggling, packaging manipulation, and sale of hazardous food, with details as follows:
- Smuggling of 77 Tonnes of Meat in Riau Islands
The Riau Islands Police Department handled a case of illegal food smuggling and animal quarantine violations. Police identified two suspects: LM (goods owner) and H (ship captain). Seized evidence includes two motorboats, 5,037 boxes containing beef, chicken, and pork totalling 77 tonnes, and hundreds of bags of used toys.
- Repackaging of Bulog Rice in West Nusa Tenggara
The West Nusa Tenggara Police Department uncovered fraudulent repackaging practices of Bulog subsidised rice. Suspect NS converted 5-kilogramme subsidised rice packaging into 50-kilogramme plain rice packaging for sale at higher prices. Evidence includes 1,650 5-kilogramme Bulog rice packages, sewing machines, and hundreds of plain sacks.
- Expired Food in Sumedang
In West Java Police jurisdiction, specifically in Sumedang, police exposed trading in expired food with suspect JSP. Secured evidence includes 12 cartons of sterilised milk, 105 sacks of biscuits, and spice mixes no longer fit for consumption.
- Formaldehyde-Containing Noodles in Garut
Another serious case was uncovered in Garut when suspect WK produced wet noodles containing formaldehyde and borax. Police seized 6 sacks of ready-to-sell noodles, hazardous chemicals, production machinery, and operational vehicles.
The suspects face multiple charges under the Food Law, Consumer Protection Law, Trade Law, Quarantine Law, and Article 504 of the Criminal Code (Law No. 1 of 2023). Maximum penalties reach five years imprisonment and fines of up to IDR 5 billion.
The synergy between the National Police and the National Food Agency is expected to provide a deterrent effect for business operators who violate food regulations whilst ensuring public peace during fasting and upcoming religious celebrations.