Police Food Task Force: Oplosan Rice Not Withdrawn, Only Asked To Drop Prices According To Composition

The head of the National Police's Food Task Force, Brigadier General Helfi Assegaf, ensured that the disclosure of the practice of mixed rice would not have an impact on the availability of rice stocks in the market.

Although fraud was found in the packaging and labeling of premium rice by several producers, the distribution of these products was not withdrawn from circulation. On the other hand, producers are asked to adjust the selling price to the actual rice composition.

"Not to be withdrawn (rice on the market), the distribution is still being sold, only asked to reduce it according to the contents of the composition," Helfi said in a press statement in Jakarta, Thursday, July 24.

For example, continued Helfi, if the rice content in packaging only consists of 15 percent denominations, then the selling price should range from Rp. 12,000 to Rp. 13,000 per 5 kilograms, not sold above Rp. 16,000 as it is currently happening.

"If this is a fraction, for example 15 percent, this should cost only Rp. 13,000 or Rp. 12,000, so sell Rp. 12,000. Don't sell the composition price for only Rp. 12,000, he sells Rp. 16,000 as they do today. We ask for lower prices according to the content of the composition," he said.

This step is part of the Food Task Force's strategy in maintaining the stability of national food distribution without disturbing the existing supply system. He said the approach taken was memorandium, meaning that it maintains the continuity of institutions and economic activities, but with fair and transparent adjustments.

"The institution is still running well, it doesn't interfere with the stock on the market. We have collected the producers we have examined by ordering them to sell the products according to the correct composition. What does that mean? Lower the price. Lower the price according to HET or under HET according to composition with the correct composition," said Helfi.

Helfi added that some manufacturers have submitted their commitments through official letters and open statements to the public that their product prices will be adjusted. This is expected to maintain market balance and protect consumers from harmful trade practices.

Previously, the National Police's Food Task Force stated that three manufacturers were proven to have packaged and labeled rice that did not comply with quality standards. The three producers on five premium rice brands that do not comply with these standards are PT PIM, PT FS, and Toko SY.

Now, the Police have upgraded the status of the mixed rice case from an investigation to fingerprints. Accompanied by the confiscation of a number of document assets including mixed rice with a total of 201 tons.