Medium Rice Passed Off as Fake Fortified Product, Yielding Massive Profits
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Minister of Agriculture and head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Amran Sulaiman, has revealed that a number of rice products marketed as fortified do not meet the standards set by the government. These products have even been found on sale at prices far above their fair value.
One example is rice sold under the brand initials WFO, priced at up to Rp57,600 per kilogram (kg), despite a fair price of only around Rp13,500 per kg.
The finding was disclosed by Amran when presenting the results of the government’s inspection of fortified rice. Laboratory testing of products on the market found that the rice content did not match the fortification claims on the label.
“There is a suspicion of a switch from premium to fortified. They claim it is fortified. After we checked it in the lab — four credible labs — we found it does not match the label,” Amran said at a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Tuesday (15/9/2026).
He explained that WFO is medium-grade quality rice. Yet the product was sold at Rp57,600 per kg with claims of being fortified or vitamin-enriched rice, when its fair price is only Rp13,500 per kg — a difference of Rp44,100 per kg.
Amran described the difference as suspected fraud. If calculated per truck carrying 10 tonnes of rice, the price difference could reach around Rp44 million.
“This is Rp57,000 (per kg) when it should be Rp13,000 (per kg). The profit is Rp44,100 per kg. For one 10-tonne truck, that’s Rp44 million. It is indeed tempting. This must not be allowed. We have already run market operations to push prices down, and it turns out there are also irregularities within,” he said.
Besides WFO, the government also found several other brands that failed to meet the standards. Of the 27 brands inspected, 25 were declared not to meet standards (TMS).
He listed the brands in question: Idola Fortifikasi, Idola High Quality Whole Grain Rice, Idola Long Grain Rice, Ikan Mas Cupang, AAA Wijaya Kusuma, Cantik Manis, Penari Bangkok, Topi Koki Short Grain, Topi Koki Setra Royale, Topi Koki Long Grain Crystal, HOK-1 Gohan, Maknyuss Pulen Gizi, Anak Raja Fortifikasi, Anak Raja Nusantara, Top Anak Raja, PMS Induk Ayam, Sumo, Rasvit, FS Nutri Rice, Pelikan, Rice Rojolele, Super Kepala Beras Premium 111, 111 Golden Number, Putri Koki, and Wellfarm Beras Diabet.
Amran said the inspections were carried out using several credible certified laboratories, including those of IPB and BRIN.
“These are the labs — we used IPB and BRIN labs. All of them are certified,” Amran said.
According to him, the fortified rice issue is serious because the product is intended for vulnerable groups in society, including the poor, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants and those suffering from stunting.
“Fortification is meant for stunting, the poor, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, toddlers — not for fraud by rogue elements and rent-seekers. This must be dealt with firmly,” he stressed.
The government estimates that the suspected practice has caused substantial losses to consumers. Amran put the estimated losses from the fortified rice issue at Rp89 trillion.
“It is suspected, yes. We presume innocence. The suspected losses are Rp89 trillion,” Amran said.
In response to the findings, the government has taken firm action against the problematic products. Amran said the rice will be withdrawn from circulation, its licences revoked, and the matter processed legally.
“First, we have ordered a withdrawal; second, the licences are revoked; third, they will be prosecuted. Firmly. And consumers should not buy it,” he concluded.
The following brands of fortified rice were found not to meet standards:
Idola Fortifikasi
Idola High Quality Whole Grain Rice
Idola Long Grain Rice
Ikan Mas Cupang
AAA Wijaya Kusuma
Cantik Manis
Penari Bangkok
Topi Koki Short Grain
Topi Koki Setra Royale
Topi Koki Long Grain Crystal
HOK-1 Gohan
Maknyuss Pulen Gizi
Anak Raja Fortifikasi
Anak Raja Nusantara
Top Anak Raja
PMS Induk Ayam
Sumo
Rasvit
FS Nutri Rice
Pelikan
Rice Rojolele
Super Kepala Beras Premium 111
111 Golden Number
Putri Koki
Wellfarm Beras Diabet