USU Student Body Reports Alleged Illegal Shallot Imports, Agriculture Minister Immediately Requests Police Intervention

JAKARTA - The Chairman of the Student Executive Board at Universitas Sumatera Utara, Muzammil Ihsan, reported suspected illegal shallot imports from Thailand to Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman.

The report was delivered during a dialogue forum at Amran’s residence in Kalibata, South Jakarta, on Wednesday morning (6/5/2026).

Amran gathered hundreds of students from various universities. The meeting discussed agricultural and food governance.

Muzammil revealed that farmers in his region had protested. The action was triggered by the circulation of illegal shallots in the market.

In response to the report, Amran immediately asked his subordinates to contact the police to follow up on the suspected smuggling.

“There was also a student earlier about illegal shallots from North Sumatra,” said Amran when met after the meeting.

Additionally, Amran received a report of fertiliser shortages in Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.

A student mentioned a company suspected of causing the fertiliser shortage.

Amran responded by asking his team to go to the field to check the report.

“It was revoked, revoked earlier, the permit was revoked. Just ten minutes, revoked because it’s online. And it’s being processed legally,” said Amran.

The discussion also touched on the Free Nutritious Meals programme and the Red and White Village or Sub-district Cooperatives as off-takers for agricultural products.

“I salute the student BEMs who attended today, quite critical but constructive. Not slander, critical but constructive,” said Amran.

He assessed that the government needs constructive criticism to improve policies.

Amran also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government and various elements of society.

“We show it with data, not opinions, not for image-building, but we show it as it is,” said Amran.