Police Task Force Discovers Food Commodities Sold Above Government Price Ceiling
Jakarta — The Task Force on Price Violations, Food Safety and Quality of the Jakarta Metro Police discovered several food commodities still being sold above the Maximum Retail Price (HET) during market inspections conducted in March 2026.
The findings were disclosed by AKBP Muh Ardila Amry, Head of Subdivision 1 of the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of the Jakarta Metro Police, during an online analysis and evaluation meeting of the task force held on Monday.
It was explained that red bird’s eye chillies across nearly all inspection areas were still being sold above the HET. “This requires our collective attention to urgently find solutions to stabilise prices in the market,” Ardila stated.
Additionally, the task force also discovered traders still selling Minyakita cooking oil above the government-set price. Meanwhile, for consumer sugar, four areas were recorded as selling above the regulated price.
Furthermore, the evaluation also highlighted the sale of live poultry by slaughterhouses (RPH) that did not comply with regulations. “Slaughterhouses are not permitted to sell poultry in live form. If violations are still found, we have already issued warning letters to the relevant parties,” he said.
As a monitoring measure, the task force also intervened in markets by placing guidance stickers showing the reference selling price (HAP) or HET to traders.
For traders proven to be selling commodities above the determined price, officers issue a statement letter accompanied by placing warning stickers on the relevant shop or kiosk.
“If traders have a business identification number (NIB) and continue selling above the HAP or HET, we will recommend licence revocation to the One-Stop Investment and Administrative Service Centre (DPMPTSP),” he stressed.
The Jakarta Metro Police Food Task Force will continue conducting market inspections to ensure price stability and protect the public from sales practices violating government regulations.
“Inspections will continue until there is an order from the central task force to halt these activities,” Ardila said.