South Jakarta Residents Are Restless Over The Circulation Of Oplosan Rice, Urges The Government To Take Strict Action

Rice Illustration (DOC ANTARA)

JAKARTA A number of residents and traders in South Jakarta admit that they are worried over the alleged circulation of mixed rice which allegedly involves food-owned enterprises (BUMD) belonging to the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. This difficulty arose because many consumers complained about the quality of rice that did not match the packaging label.

"If you lose, there will also have an impact of about 10 to 15 percent of buyers who complain or think about buying," said Nisa, a rice trader at the Kebayoran Lama Market, quoted from ANTARA, Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Nisa emphasized that she only received rice supplies from distributors, but still felt aggrieved because customers were hesitant about the quality of the rice being sold. He also hopes that the government will not let go of monitoring the circulation of mixed rice.

"The government should supervise it, don't let the people be harmed," he said.

Budi, a resident who was disappointed because the quality of the rice he bought was different from usual.

"Sometimes we buy rice at the market, it turns out that the cooking is different, it feels also strange. We just want to take firm action, so that more and more people don't cheat," said Budi.

Meanwhile, Ira Suwito, the owner of a food stall, highlighted the potential health hazards of mixed rice, especially when mixed with dangerous substances.

"If the mixed rice mixes with chemicals, it can be dangerous for health. There should be strict sanctions," he said.

Public unrest grew stronger after it was revealed that the DKI Jakarta Food, Maritime and Agriculture Security Service (KPKP) used SP and SR brands of rice produced by FS in a subsidized food program with premium quality labels. Although the agency claims to routinely take samples and laboratory testing, residents still question the effectiveness of supervision.

Responding to the concerns, the Head of the DKI Jakarta KPKP Service, Hasudungan Sidabalok, stated that his party was following up on indications of violations related to the quality of rice circulating in modern retail. Now, the DKI food BUMD has also fulfilled the summons of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Police for further clarification.

The public hopes that the government will not only carry out surveillance on paper, but also act clearly so that the practice of oplosan does not continue to harm residents, both economically and healthily.