Cipinang Main Market Traders' Turnover Drops by 50 Percent Due to the Impact of "Mixed Rice" Issue

JAKARTA – Indonesian Ombudsman member Yeka Hendra Fatika revealed that several traders at the Cipinang Rice Main Market (PIBC) have complained about a 20-50 percent drop in sales since the issue of adulterated rice surfaced in public.

This was revealed during a surprise inspection on Monday, August 11.

Yeka said that traders who normally sell 15-20 tons of rice per day are now only able to sell 6-10 tons per day.

"According to traders, for example, they usually sell 15-20 tons of rice per day, but now they are only able to sell 6-10 tons per day," Yeka said in a written statement on Tuesday, August 12.

PIBC Management data shows a decrease in rice inflow and outflow between July 1-10, 2025, and August 1-10, 2025.

The amount of incoming rice dropped by 22.97 percent, while the amount of outgoing rice decreased by 20.84 percent.

In addition to the decline in sales volume, the Ombudsman also noted an increase in rice prices in the market.

The lowest price for rice is currently Rp13,150 per kilogram (kg) and the highest is Rp14,760 per kg, with an average increase of around Rp200 over the past two weeks.

The impact of the decline in trading activity is also being felt by stevedores. According to data from the PIBC (Standing and Unloading Workers Services Cooperative), of the approximately 1,200 members, 80 percent are out of work due to the reduced volume of rice purchases.

"This situation requires serious government attention. Consumer protection must go hand in hand with protecting the sustainability of businesses and workers," Yeka emphasized.

The Indonesian Ombudsman will follow up on these findings by coordinating with relevant ministries and institutions to find solutions to revive the market, while ensuring that rice trading is transparent and in accordance with regulations.

During the inspection, Yeka also visited the PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya warehouse. Rice stocks for the Subsidized Food Program are currently empty, with the last distribution scheduled for August 9, 2025. He emphasized that law enforcement must not impede the Jakarta Provincial Government's (DKI Jakarta) distribution of the subsidized food program.

The Ombudsman also observed the quality control team at PT Food Station conducting quality tests on five rice samples. Test results showed that the moisture content, broken grains, grits, and degree of milling were in accordance with National Food Agency Regulation Number 2 of 2023 concerning Rice Quality and Labeling Requirements.