Deputy Minister Reminds Heavy Sanctions For Food Hoarders, 5 Years Infiltration Until A Fine Of IDR 50 Billion

Deputy Minister Sudaryono (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan) Sudaryono emphasized that the government will not provide space for the practice of hoarding food that can harm the community.

He reminded that perpetrators who deliberately hoard food ingredients that cause scarcity will be subject to severe sanctions in accordance with the Trade Act.

"Pangan kamu timbun, penjara 5 tahun. Let it be simple, clear, and easy to remember. Anyone deliberately hoards food ingredients to rare, the law is heavy. In accordance with the orders of the President @prabowo and the Trade Law which apply to 5 years in prison and a fine of Rp 50 billion," said Mas Dar as he is familiarly called quoted from his Instagram account @sudaru_sudaryono, Friday, August 22.

Sudaryono added that the government is committed to keeping people from gaining sufficient, affordable, and quality food access. The state, he stressed, should not lose to the food mafia who play behind scarcity and price hikes.

"The state will never and must not be defeated by the food mafia. Our task at the Ministry of Agriculture ensures that the mandate is realized in the field," he said.

According to Sudaryono, this decisive step is a form of protection for people who are often directly affected when food price fluctuations occur. He also ensured that the government guaranteed food security.

"For every mother who is worried about the price of rice rising. For every small trader who is worried about the supply of rare oil. Don't worry, we will take care of your food," he said.

In a state speech, President Prabowo Subianto warned that entrepreneurs who hoard food will be dealt with firmly.

"To protect Indonesian consumers, the government that I lead will always be aware of fraud, manipulation, fraud, hoarding efforts, and restraining the distribution of foodstuffs," said Prabowo, Friday, August 15.

The sentences for hoarders have been regulated in Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning Trade, which is confirmed to be languishing in bui for 5 years and/or a maximum fine of IDR 50 billion.