Minister Of Agriculture Andi Amran Coordinates With The Attorney General's Office For Extortion Of Agricultural Equipment Distribution

This extortion mode is carried out by certain individuals by asking for a fee from farmers who should receive the tool for free.

"We have received complaints from several regions, although no evidence has been sent yet. Reports state that agricultural machine tools that we distribute to farmers are sometimes asked for a fee by certain individuals," Andi Amran told reporters, Monday, December 16.

According to a report received by the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), the value of extortion requested by individuals varies, ranging from Rp. 3 million for small equipment to Rp. 50 million per unit for larger equipment. In fact, the agricultural tools and machinery are distributed free of charge to farmers, according to President Prabowo Subianto's direction to support the acceleration of food self-sufficiency.

"We have opened a complaint number, and so far there have been around 100 farmers who have reported requests for fees in the distribution process of equipment," said Andi.

Seeing the distribution value of agricultural equipment which reached Rp. 10-15 trillion, Andi emphasized the importance of escorting so that distribution runs according to target and reaches farmer groups without any illegal levies.

This step was also taken to eradicate individuals who tarnish the Ministry of Agriculture's program. "We need an escort to the end of distribution, namely farmer groups," he explained.

Menanggapi laporan dari Mentan, Jaksa Agung ST Burhanuddin memastikan pihaknya akan menindak tegas oknum yang terlibat dalam praktik pungli tersebut.

This step is part of the government's efforts to ensure the distribution program of agricultural equipment runs transparently and supports the welfare of farmers without illegal practices.