Legislator: Crackdown on Plecostomus Sellers to Protect Citizens

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A member of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Hardiyanto Kenneth, stated that the Satpol PP officers’ step in securing individuals selling plecostomus fish in Central Jakarta was appropriate, as the action aims to protect public health from consuming plecostomus fish.

“I assess this enforcement action as correct. Plecostomus fish is not suitable for consumption, and its circulation as food must be stopped,” Kenneth said in Jakarta on Sunday.

The member of Commission C of the DKI Jakarta DPRD emphasised that the practice of selling plecostomus fish for consumption cannot be justified.

According to Kenneth, the fish is known as a cleaning fish that lives in dirty waters and potentially contains harmful substances and bacteria that can endanger health if consumed.

Bang Kent, his familiar nickname, also urged relevant agencies such as the Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Department; the Health Department; and law enforcement officials to tighten field supervision.

This is to prevent individuals from exploiting the situation by selling the fish illegally.

“Supervision must be increased, and enforcement must be firm to create a deterrent effect,” he said.

In addition to enforcement, Kent encouraged the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to strengthen public education.

Massive socialisation is deemed necessary, both through social media, traditional markets, and RT/RW neighbourhoods, so that the public can understand the health risks of consuming plecostomus fish.

On the other hand, traders are also urged to uphold ethics in selling food ingredients and not to prioritise short-term profits at the expense of consumer safety.

“We invite traders to be responsible. The government must also be ready to provide guidance so that trading activities remain in accordance with regulations,” he said.

Kent also advised the public not to consume plecostomus fish in any form.

The public is asked to be more selective in choosing safe protein types with clear origins.

With this enforcement, Kent hopes there will be no more practices of selling plecostomus fish meat as consumable goods in society.

“Synergy between the government, law enforcement officials, and the public is seen as the main key in preventing the circulation of food ingredients that potentially endanger health,” he said.