Prabowo Doesn't Increase The Practice Of Rice Giling Business That Makes Farmers Lose

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto conveyed a strong warning to rice milling service entrepreneurs, the government will not tolerate practices that harm farmers.

This was said by President Prabowo in response to a report by the Chairman of the Indonesian Rice Milling Association (Perpadi) Sutarto Alimoeso in a virtual meeting in Jakarta, Monday, that there were still milling entrepreneurs who bought farmers' dry unhulled rice less than the price set by the government, valued at Rp. 6,500 per kg.

"This time the government will act. I urge all parties, especially friends from the rice mill. I think many are milling rice in the areas that have adjusted, but there are some who may want to try to play with the Indonesian government," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, February 3.

Prabowo also ensured that the government would not selectively take action against rice milling business actors who violated price provisions.

"How much rice milling, if you play games, I will act," he said.

President Prabowo appealed to all law enforcement officers and agriculture services in various regions to supervise every rice milling activity in Indonesia.

The statement was a direct response to complaints from farmers who felt they were often sacrificed by the rice milling policy that did not benefit them.

According to the President, the pretext of water levels, rendements, and quality that are often put forward as reasons for reducing the selling price of rice is a tactic that often harms small farmers.

Prabowo also emphasized the importance of employers' participation in maintaining a balance between profit and community responsibility.

We all have a responsibility. Entrepreneurs also have a responsibility. I want entrepreneurs to make good profits, but have community responsibilities. We have calculated, the government has calculated, with Rp6,500 we can also make a profit," he said.