Minister Amran Asks The Public Not To Worry, Rice Sold In Modern Retail Is Safe To Consume

Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman asked the public not to worry about the quality of rice sold in modern retail. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Agriculture)

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that the public does not need to worry about the quality of rice in the market, especially in modern retail.

He ensured that all the rice in circulation was still suitable for consumption, although in some cases a high level of broken rice (broken) was found.

"Actually, the rice in premium retail is only a matter of quality, the broken only. So, I repeat again, if the medium is broken, it's 25 percent, if it's premium 15 percent. However, when we checked, the broken number is up to 40 percent, there's 50 percent broken, there's 30 percent, 35 percent, now that's what happened," he told the media crew at the Ministry of Agriculture Office, Jakarta, Thursday, August 7.

"But, it's all for consumption, it's safe, good, no problem. It's just that the price is too high compared to the quality. Don't worry," continued Amran.

Amran also highlighted the positive phenomenon of the consumer shift from modern retail to traditional markets, which he considered a momentum to strengthen the people's economy.

"We have just read from the media that sales in traditional markets have increased due to switching, because we can see directly. Well, this is an interesting phenomenon, very good. It's very good to be encouraged. Why? Drive the people's economy, improve the economies of small traders," he said.

Market Operations Prepared Until December

Responding to the high price of rice in the market, the Minister of Agriculture ensured that the government would continue to carry out massive market operations until the end of 2025. According to him, this is a form of the government's commitment to maintaining price stability and food supply.

"We will operate the market until December. Until December we will operate the market. We have prepared 1.3 million tons, the social assistance is 350,000, meaning 1.5 million tons. Indeed, we plan as long as prices go up, we will continue to operate the market. So in the past there was no market operation of 1.5 million tons. This is 1.3 million tons. Why? Our stock is large, so road market operations continue," said Amran.

In addition, Amran continued, the ongoing Food Supply Stabilization and Price Program or SPHP has had a significant impact on the community.

"Oh yes (has an impact) for sure because the price is only Rp. 12,500, and the quality is good. You know it's only 5 percent broken, some 10 percent. But the price is Rp. 12,500. So, yesterday's premium broken 30 percent, 40 percent but the price is Rp. 18,000," he said.

Ia pun mengingatkan pentingnya menjaga komoditas bersubsidi agar tidak dimanfaatkan pihak-pihak tertentu untuk keuntungan pribadi.

"Artinya, di dalam setiap kilo beras, itu Rp 5.000 itu subsidi pemerintah. Ini harus dijaga. Enggak boleh ini untuk rakyat, untuk orang banyak. Jangan dipermainkan sektor ini karena ini untuk masyarakat luas dan ini vital," tegas Amran.

He also reminded the importance of maintaining subsidized commodities so that certain parties do not use them for personal gain.

"This means that every kilo of rice, Rp 5,000 is a government subsidy. This must be maintained. This cannot be for the people, for many people. Don't play with this sector because this is for the wider community and this is vital," said Amran.

Caption: Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman with Minister of Agriculture New Zealand at the Ministry of Agriculture Office, Jakarta, Thursday, August 7. (Doc: VOI/Ade Miranti)