Retail Entrepreneurs Will Pull Rice Proven To Be Oplos From Circulation

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Retail Entrepreneurs Association (Aprindo) Solihin emphasized that he is ready to withdraw rice circulating in retail, if it has been proven to be mixed by producers.

However, the Corporate Affairs Director of PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk (Alfamart) also said that withdrawals would be made if there had been instructions from the government or the competent authorities.

"Wow, we will go down the first time (to make it interesting if the rice is proven mixed)," said Solihin when met at the Ministry of Trade, Central Jakarta, Thursday, July 17.

Solihin emphasized that retail does not produce rice. He explained that rice circulating in retail is the production of rice producers who have collaborated with retailers.

Furthermore, Solihin said retail only sells final goods to consumers, provided that the incoming rice products are premium quality.

"With this, we ask suppliers, principals, whatever suppliers he has to make a statement. Because in our work contract to suppliers, it is clear that what we buy is premium rice," he explained.

Solihin also said that so far, retailers have tightened the distribution of rice entering retail by asking rice producers or suppliers to make a statement that the rice supplied is really premium quality.

If there is no statement letter from the supplier, continued Solihin, the rice will not be sold in modern retailers.

"So once again, the statement letter on the goods sent is premium rice. We've got a lot of (letters) from the producers. And if any manufacturer doesn't make that statement, I make sure it's not on display," he said.

Regarding the alleged mixed rice case, continued Solihin, retail entrepreneurs will ask consultants for help to check the quality of rice that has entered the retail.

"We don't have the tools. But in the future I will instruct friends of retailers, to be able to randomly check using consultants who do have expertise," he said.

For your information, the case of mixed rice dragged rice brands sold in modern retailers. This finding is based on a release from the Ministry of Agriculture.

A number of rice brands such as Alfamidi Setra Pulen, Premium Rice Setra Ramos, and others do not meet the premium rice quality requirements as set. The rice is rice produced by PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya.