Reconstruction Of Rice Cases Of PT Padi Indonesia Maju, Police Find Violations Of Quality Control

The National Police's Food Task Force held a field reconstruction of the rice production process at PT Padi Indonesia Maju (PT PIM) located in the Wilmar Integrated Industrial Zone, Serang, Banten. In the process, it was found that there was a violation of quality monitoring procedures that should be part of the production standard.

"The production process from raw materials to packaging takes about 20 hours, with a strict monitoring system through an integrated control room and laboratory. The sample testing should be carried out every two hours by the Quality Control (QC) team," said Dirtipideksus Bareskrim Polri who also serves as the Head of the National Police's Food Task Force, Brigadier General Helfi Assegaf, Wednesday, August 6.

However, Helfi assessed that the procedure did not run optimally. Based on findings in the field, sampling tests are only carried out once to twice during the production process. This frequency is considered far from the standard operating procedure (SOP) provisions that apply.

As a result of the weak supervision, the final product still contains the remaining menir, although in small amounts, which should be minimized.

Even though the production system is automatic, the results of 100 percent are perfect. However, these findings are an important note for management to immediately improve the surveillance system in order to ensure the quality of rice according to the premium label that is claimed," he said.

The Task Force also highlighted the issue of rice packaging, where the weight of 25 kilograms of sacks is known to have been added by 200 grams on purpose. This addition is done to avoid rejection of automatic packaging machines, but it has the potential to cause discrepancies with actual weights.

Not only that, out of a total of 22 QC officers on duty at the factory, only one person has been certified. Helfi assessed that this condition needs serious attention from management, especially related to training and certification of officers to ensure product quality and safety.

"Three people who are directly involved in this case are not currently at the location and are currently undergoing legal proceedings. However, the company's operations and distribution are still running normally," said Helfi.

Previously, the National Police's Food Task Force had named three people as suspects in a rice distribution case that was not in accordance with quality standards. One of them is S, who serves as President Director of PT PIM.

The other two suspects are AI, as the factory head, and DO, who serves as Head of Quality Control. All three are suspected of knowing and allowing production practices that are not up to standard.

"Investigators have carried out a case title and found sufficient evidence to determine the three of them as suspects," said Helfi.