Circulation Of Pork In Bandung Threatens The Peace Of The Community

Illustration (Photo: Kristian Ryan Alimon, Unsplash)

JAKARTA - A syndicate of pork that is processed to resemble beef in Bandung has been successfully revealed. During its year of action, the group has marketed tens of tons of fake meat which is suspected of being circulating in three sub-districts, Bandung Regency.

In this case, four people with the initials T (54), MP (46), AR (38), and AS (39), were named as suspects. They were proven to have distributed fake meat to several traders in the Bandung Regency area.

Kapolresta Bandung Kombes Hendra Kurniawan said the pork was imported from the Solo area, Central Java. By using an open car, tens to hundreds of kilograms go to Bandung for one shipment.

"The meat comes from Solo, not wild boar," Hendra told VOI, Tuesday, May 12.

On arrival in Bandung, the pork was processed by the perpetrators. By using a chemical substance, borax, to make it similar to beef in general. Then, they marketed it to traders.

In fact, from the results of the investigation of the perpetrators, it was not uncommon for traders to come directly to their place to buy the fake beef. The traders are tempted by the low prices they offer.

The suspects T and MP, who acted as meat dealers, offered a price of Rp60 thousand per kilogram. Meanwhile, the suspect AR and AS, who are retailers, sold them for Rp. 85,000 to Rp. 90,000 per kilogram to the market and the public.

"(Circulation) In the Bandung area only. Around Balendah, Banjaran and Majalaya are all in Bandung Regency," said Hendra.

During one year of action, around 63 tons of fake beef have been circulating in the community. In fact, during the arrest, it was found that 500 kilograms of meat were stored in the freezer.

After exposing the pekara, the police and related agencies immediately raided several traders who were indicated or had the potential to sell pork. As a result, the remaining 100 kilograms were secured from retailers.

"Of course we are collaborating with related agencies, and meat is no longer circulating in the Bandung Regency area. This morning we were with the Industry and Trade Agency," concluded Hendra.

For their actions, the perpetrators were charged under Article 91 A jo Article 58 Paragraph 6 Law Number 41 Year 2014 concerning livestock and animal health, and Article 62 Paragraph 1 in conjunction with Article 8 Paragraph 1 Law Number 8 Year 1999 concerning consumer protection with the threat of a sentence of 5 years in prison .

Anxiety in Society

Psychologist from the University of Indonesia Dr. Rose Mini Agoes Salim said that the existence of a case would certainly have a profound effect on the level of public anxiety. Later, they will feel afraid when they will buy meat in traditional markets or other.

In fact, the worst possibility is the decline in people's desire to consume beef, which leads to losses for traders.

"Actually, an issue can cause anxiety. Now, this anxiety is what makes people more cautious and afraid," said Rose.

Apart from that, said Rose, there are still many people who are tricked into their mode of being stupid or something like that. However, when undergoing a COVID-19 pandemic like this, people prefer or consider the issue of price.

So, pork which has a low selling price will be the target of the public. Moreover, the perpetrators disguised the meat like beef in general.

"The problem now is that with the economic conditions that are not too good, people will look for cheaper alternative prices. There is a possibility that people who do not know about this could be affected," said Rose.

For that, it is recommended that people be careful in buying something. This is because there are many unscrupulous individuals who are looking for profits during a pandemic like today.

"You have to be more careful. If you are not too sure, it is better to move on," said Rose.

For your information, physically pork is paler when compared to beef which has a red color. However, when the pork is processed using borax and several other chemicals, the meat will change color and resemble beef.