Food Station Rice Fails Quality Test At 5 Lab, Ministry Of Agriculture Urges Product Improvement

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) responded to the findings of the quality of rice produced by PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya which allegedly did not meet premium quality standards. The Head of the Ministry of Agriculture's Communication and Information Service Bureau, Moch Arief Cahyono, said that rice samples from the Food Station had been tested in five independent laboratories.

The test results showed that several brands such as Alfamidi Setra Pulen and Premium Rice Setra Ramos did not meet the quality requirements as premium rice in accordance with applicable regulations. In addition, it was found that the product was sold beyond the Highest Retail Price (HET) set by the government.

"If the Food Station needs a copy of the laboratory data, please contact the National Police Headquarters Food Task Force. They already have all the test results and are investigating these findings," said Arief in a written statement, Thursday, July 17.

The Ministry of Agriculture also highlighted other information circulating in the media regarding the alleged practice of mixing rice at the Cipinang Rice Main Market.

A trader revealed that there was an order of 10 tons of rice from one of the members of the DKI Jakarta DPRD which was packaged in 2,000 sacks measuring five kilograms. Each sack contains a mixture of various types of rice, allegedly to reduce prices and reap greater profits.

"We urge PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya and related parties to immediately focus on improving product quality. Instead of being busy fending off issues in the media, we want to see concrete steps to ensure the quality of rice according to standards and prices remain reasonable for the community," said Arief.

212 Rice Brands Allegedly Oplosan

Previously, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman also revealed the results of an investigation conducted with the Food Task Force. It was found that 212 rice brands were suspected of being mixed rice, namely a mixture of medium and premium rice.

"We will not tolerate fraudulent practices like this. Don't treat the people by mixing rice and selling it at premium prices. This is not only an economic problem, but also moral," said Amran.

He emphasized that there is no logical reason for the price of rice to be above HET. Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), national rice production in January 'August 2025 is estimated to reach 24.97 million tons, up 14.09 percent compared to the same period in 2024 which amounted to 21.88 million tons.

"Production is high, stocks are abundant. There is no reason for anyone to raise prices arbitrarily. Don't trick the market with quality and price manipulation. This concerns the basic needs of the people," said the Minister of Agriculture.

The Ministry of Agriculture stated its commitment to continue to oversee the distribution of food that is fair, quality, and affordable. The ministry will also coordinate intensively with the Food Task Force, Bareskrim Polri, as well as other supervisory authorities to take firm action against any violations that harm consumers.