DKI Jakarta DPRD: Ministry Of Agriculture's Findings About Rice Owned By Cipinang Food Station Threatens Citizens' Rights To Get Decent Food

Photo illustration. (Doc. Freepic)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission B of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Dwi Rio Sambodo DPRD, assessed that the findings of the Ministry of Agriculture regarding rice belonging to the Cipinang Food Station that did not meet the quality requirements were a danger signal. Dwi ensured that his commission would summon related parties to follow up on the findings of the Ministry of Agriculture.

"This is not just a technical violation, but a threat to the basic rights of citizens on proper food," said Dwi Rio to reporters, Saturday, July 19.

"We will soon hold an open hearing with the Head of the DKI Jakarta Trade, BPOM, and PD Pasar Jaya Directors to ensure strict control measures. People's rice must be clean, healthy, and safe," he continued.

Dwi ensured that the DKI DPRD would closely monitor rice procurement for the Prosperous Rice (Rastra) program or the Family Hope Program (PKH). He urged that a thorough evaluation of the integrity of suppliers must be carried out.

"It should not tolerate practices that sacrifice the health of citizens for the benefit of a handful of parties," he stressed.

Dwi also encouraged long-term solutions through cross-ministerial coordination, including trade system reforms, increased distribution transparency, and diversified rice supply sources to Jakarta. According to him, dependence on one market must be terminated to avoid the risk of monopolisticism and quality manipulation.

He also encouraged related agencies to facilitate complaints from residents regarding food quality. Dwi said that the DKI DPRD really appreciates the participation of the community to maintain food quality in Jakarta.

"I will follow up every report directly with field visits and coordinate with the relevant agencies," he said.

"Pangan rakyat bukan komoditas spekulatif. Setiap pelanggaran kualitas harus diproses secara terbuka, dan pelaku harus bertanggung jawab dihadap hukum maupun publik," pungkas Dwi Rio Sambodo.

Previously, the Head of the Ministry of Agriculture's Communication and Information Service Bureau, Moch Arief Cahyono, said that rice samples from the Food Station had been tested in five independent laboratories.

The test results showed that several brands such as Alfamidi Setra Pulen and Beras Premium Setra Ramos did not meet the quality requirements as premium rice in accordance with applicable regulations.

In addition, it was found that the product was sold beyond the highest retail price (HET) set by the government.

"If the Food Station needs a copy of the laboratory data, please contact the National Police Headquarters Food Task Force. They already have all the test results and are investigating these findings," said Arief in a written statement.

The Ministry of Agriculture also highlighted other information circulating in the media regarding the alleged practice of mixing rice at the Cipinang Rice Main Market.

A trader revealed that there was an order of 10 tons of rice from one of the members of the DKI Jakarta DPRD which was packaged in 2,000 sacks measuring five kilograms. Each sack contains a mixture of various types of rice, allegedly to reduce prices and reap greater profits.

"We urge PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya and related parties to immediately focus on improving product quality. Instead of being busy fending off issues in the media, we want to see concrete steps to ensure the quality of rice according to standards and prices remain reasonable for the community," said Arief.