The SPHP Program Was Damaged By Pengoplos, Minister Of Agriculture Amran: Betrays To People's Trust

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman appreciates the ranks of the Riau Regional Police (Polda) for their success in uncovering fraudulent practices of mixing rice for the Stabilization of Supply and Food Prices (SPHP) and premium rice in Pekanbaru City.

The disclosure of the case that occurred on Jalan Sail, Rejosari Village, Tenayan Raya District managed to confiscate 9 tons of mixed rice from a local businessman with the initials R, who has now been named a suspect. This case was revealed just a day after his visit to Pekanbaru on July 22, 2025.

"The practice of mixing is betrayal of people's trust. The SPHP program is supported by subsidies from people's money to help people's purchasing power and maintain inflation. I am proud that the Riau Police moved quickly after our discussion," Amran said in his statement, quoted Monday, July 28.

According to Amran, this mixing practice is not only detrimental to consumers economically but also endangers national food security because the quality of rice marketed is below quality standards.

Previously, Amran continued, similar practices were found in 10 provinces involving 212 problematic rice brands, and causing potential public losses of up to IDR 99.35 trillion per year.

As a further step, the Ministry of Agriculture together with the Food Task Force and police officers in all regions will tighten supervision of the distribution of subsidized rice.

Amran ensured that the perpetrators must be subject to severe sanctions in order to have a deterrent effect.

"We will continue to synergize with the National Police Headquarters Food Task Force and other law enforcement officers to ensure that there are no more individuals playing with people's food. Perpetrators must be severely punished for a deterrent effect," he said.

Oplosan SPHP Rice Findings In Riau

Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryyawan explained that this raid was a direct instruction from the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo in order to enforce the law against criminal acts that harm consumers.

The Riau Police Criminal Investigation Directorate led by Kombes Ade Kuncoro found two modus operandi in this case.

First, mixing medium rice with reject rice and then repackaging it into SPHP rice.

Second, buying cheap rice from Pelalawan and repackaging it in premium brand sacks such as Aira, Family, Dara Merah, and Kuriak Kusuik.

The evidence that was secured included 79 sacks of adulterated SPHP rice, 4 premium branded sacks containing low quality rice, 18 empty sacks of SPHP, digital scales, as well as machines and sewing threads.

"The state has provided subsidies, but is manipulated by individuals for personal gain. This is not just a trade fraud, but a crime that harms our children who need nutritious food," said Herry.

Atas perbuatannya, tersangka R dijerat dengan Pasal 62 ayat (1) jo Pasal 8 ayat (1) huruf e dan f, serta Pasal 9 ayat (1) huruf d dan h Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 1999 tentang Perlindungan Konsumen. Ia terancam hukuman penjara maksimal 5 tahun dan denda hingga Rp 2 miliar.

For his actions, suspect R was charged with Article 62 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 8 paragraph (1) letters e and f, as well as Article 9 paragraph (1) letters d and h of Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection. He faces a maximum prison sentence of 5 years and a fine of up to IDR 2 billion.