Polri Supports Agriculture Minister Amran in Taking Firm Action Against Problematic Fortified Rice, Citing Indications of Fraud
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) support the steps taken by Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman to take firm action against findings of fortified rice that does not meet food safety and quality standards.
This support was emphasised by the Inspector of General Supervision (Irwasum) of Polri, Commissioner General Wahyu Widada, regarding the handling of fortified rice findings deemed potentially harmful to the public.
“Polri is committed to providing a rapid, firm, and measured response to any findings related to rice that does not meet safety or food quality standards,” said Wahyu during an exposition of the fortified rice inspection results in Jakarta on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
Wahyu noted that the alleged discrepancy between the contents of the fortified rice and the information on the packaging labels points towards suspected criminal fraud.
These allegations emerged after the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside the Polri Food Task Force, conducted in-depth research and studies on rice products marketed as fortified rice.
“Based on the research and in-depth studies conducted by the Minister of Agriculture and the Task Force, there are indications of suspected criminal fraud,” said Wahyu.
He stated that the alleged criminal acts could be linked to the provisions of Articles 492, 493, and 495 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), as well as provisions within the Consumer Protection Law.
“The essence of these articles is the sale of something that does not match its actual contents,” he added.
According to Wahyu, these alleged violations have the potential to harm consumers in two aspects: product quality and economic loss.
“This is certainly detrimental to consumers, both in terms of quality and economically,” he said.
The economic loss is particularly serious because products claimed to be fortified rice were found to be sold at prices significantly higher than they should be.
Wahyu emphasised that the alleged violations are not being viewed merely as individual acts. The police will also investigate the possibility of involvement by organised parties or corporations.
“There is a strong suspicion that this is not being carried out by individuals alone, but could be done in an organised manner and by a corporation,” he revealed.
He noted that the new Criminal Code (KUHP) has regulated corporate criminal liability. These provisions include criminal penalties against corporations as well as additional penalties if a criminal act is committed by a business entity.