Oplosan Rice Makes Food Self-Sufficiency Threatened, Titiek Suharto Asks Minister Of Agriculture To Take Action Against Naughty Companies

Chairman of Commission IV of the DPR, Siti Hediati Soeharto alias Titiek Suharto. Photo: Nailin/VOI

JAKARTA - Chairman of Commission IV DPR RI Titiek Hediati Hariyadi asked the Ministry of Agriculture to thoroughly investigate the case of mixed rice that is detrimental to the community.

He considered that strict action was needed so that the fraudulent practice would not be repeated, especially in the midst of the spirit of realizing food self-sufficiency.

"Regarding the mixed rice, we have received a report from the Minister of Agriculture. The point is that we ask that this be investigated thoroughly, it doesn't happen like this," said Titiek Suharto to reporters after a working meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Wednesday, July 16.

According to him, the practice of mixing low quality rice with premium rice is not only detrimental to consumers, but also threatens public confidence in the food distribution system.

"We are still in the spirit of self-sufficiency in rice. But how come mixed rice is still found. This is clearly detrimental to the community," continued the Gerindra Party politician who also serves as Deputy Chair of the party's Board of Trustees.

Titiek encouraged Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman to immediately follow up on brand findings that were proven to have committed fraudulent practices. He did not want the public to continue to be victims.

"What should be low quality rice, mixed well into premiums. That's right. We ask the minister of agriculture to immediately follow up on this," he said.

In fact, if the perpetrator comes from a large company, Titiek emphasized that there needs to be firm action to provide a deterrent effect.

"If someone is naughty, especially from big companies, it should be dealt with. At least they will be given a deterrent effect so that things like this don't happen again," he said.

Previously, Minister of Agriculture Amran said that his party had found 212 medium and premium rice brands that did not comply with quality standards, some of which were even indicated to be mixed. From the results of testing in 13 laboratories, it was found that bulk rice was repackaged and sold at premium prices.

Amran said this was an important momentum to fix national rice distribution governance, especially since rice stocks currently reach more than 4 million tons.