The National Police Are Investigating The Alleged Cartel Behind The Oplosan Rice Case

Illustration of bribery (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The National Police's Food Task Force has finally opened its voice about the alleged cartel behind the mixed rice case which is being discussed by the public. However, until now the Police have not been able to conclude the involvement of the cartel in the case because the investigation is still in its early stages.

Head of the National Police Food Task Force Brigadier General Helfi Assegaf emphasized that tracing allegations of rice cartels still requires more comprehensive time and deepening.

"For the cartel, we can't come to any conclusions because the process is still long," Helfi said at a press conference in Jakarta, Thursday, July 24.

According to Helfi, to prove the existence of food cartels, a thorough analysis is needed from upstream to downstream of the supply chain.

In the cartel case, there is usually a pattern of connection and affiliation between business actors at various distribution levels. However, at this time the Police have not found any strong indications in that direction.

"If the cartel or mafia must be sustainable from upstream to downstream. We haven't gotten there yet, we have to investigate further," he explained.

3 Rice Producers Examined

In the case of mixed rice that is being handled, the results of the interim investigation show that there are three producers who market five premium rice brands with unstandard quality. The Food Task Force has pocketed indications of violations of rice trading by the corporation.

The next step is to examine witnesses from the company, including conducting a case title to determine who is legally responsible.

The National Police's Food Task Force will also track assets (tracing assets) suspected of originating from food crimes. It is possible that there will be a case development to other brands that also do not match the measurements and quality.

"We are developing the case to another brand and will trace assets for the proceeds of criminal crimes of origin," said Helfi.

This mixed rice case is a serious concern of the National Police as part of efforts to maintain national food stability. Helfi stated that his party would continue to investigate and investigate all forms of criminal violations in the food sector according to President Prabowo Subianto's direction.

He also appealed to the public to be more thorough when buying rice, by observing labels, quality, and net weight of products. To business actors, Helfi gave a stern warning not to commit fraudulent practices that harm consumers.

"We will not hesitate to take action against business actors who deviate from the provisions," he said.

The legal process for the mixed rice case is still rolling. The signal of involvement of the cartel is not certain, but the Police will not rule out the possibility if later evidence is found that leads to the practice of organized food cartels.