President Prabowo Subianto strongly criticized corrupt practices in Indonesia’s rice trade, pledging to take action against companies that manipulate and increase the price of subsidized rice. During the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB), the President disclosed that these illicit activities result in annual losses of up to Rp100 trillion for the country. He highlighted the discrepancy between the substantial government subsidies provided for rice production and the subsequent repackaging and sale of the rice at inflated prices under the guise of ‘premium rice’. President Prabowo identified 212 rice milling companies involved in such practices and demanded that they return the profits gained through deceptive means. He condemned the behavior as criminal, emphasizing the severe impact on the nation and its citizens and asserting that the stolen funds could have been utilized for essential public services. President Prabowo has instructed the National Police Chief and the Attorney General to launch immediate investigations and prosecute those responsible for the exploitation. He underscored that his actions align with the constitutional obligation to regulate key sectors that are vital to the state and the well-being of its people, reiterating that the crackdown is not based on personal motives but rather mandated by the Constitution.
Prabowo’s Pledge: Tackling Rice Distribution Fraud – Rp100 Trillion Loss
