Getting Many Reports, DPRA Asks Bulog To Clarify Allegations Of Plastic Rice In Aceh

Illustration - Workers transport buyer's ordered rice at one of the wholesale depots of Meulaboh's Bina Business Market, Aceh. BETWEEN PHOTOS/Syifa Yulinnas

BANDA ACEH - Commission I of the Aceh House of Representatives (DPRA) asked Perum Bulog to provide an explanation regarding the alleged circulation of plastic rice in the Acehnese community, although the local Bulog has confirmed that there is no such rice in Aceh.

"We have received many reports from the public, some even sent live videos. Bulog Aceh Representatives must provide an explanation about this," said Chairman of Commission I DPRA Iskandar Usman Al Farlaky, in Banda Aceh, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, October 23.

In the video he received, said Iskandar, the community compared the harvested rice from their own rice fields with Bulog's aid rice distributed to the community.

The video shows a difference in rice that has been cooked from the aid sack written by Bulog, and when thrown, it is like a ball. Meanwhile, the rice from the residents' harvest when thrown directly stuck on the floor.

"We received a report from Peureulak, East Aceh, yesterday. This condition triggered unrest in the community. Moreover, the video was circulating quickly in the media line. I have also conveyed it to Bulog Langsa regarding this issue," he said.

Therefore, Iskandar asked Bulog Aceh to provide an explanation, if the rice circulating could threaten public health, then it must be withdrawn and replaced with another. Then, the supplier must also be responsible.

In addition, he also asked Bulog to test the laboratory so that the allegations related to plastic rice could be accounted for.

"Because at this time people really need aid rice that is distributed through the post office, considering that it is currently in the middle of the big day of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad SAW," said Iskandar.

In this regard, the head of the Bulog Regional Office of Aceh Regional Office, Mukhammad Agung Aulia, asked the public to be more careful and not to easily believe the hoax news related to synthetic rice or plastic.

The rice that entered Aceh had already been checked by an independent surveyor and the Quarantine Center. In fact, before the demolition from the ship, the rice was checked first by the Quarantine Center. So, the rice in Bulog Warehouse can now be confirmed in a safe condition," said M Agung Aulia.

This year, Perum Bulog Kanwil Aceh has and will receive imported rice from Thailand and Vietnam to meet the needs of rice supply in Aceh.

Including the distribution of food assistance programs and food supply and price stabilization programs (SPHP) to stabilize food prices in Aceh and to control inflation.

He emphasized that Perum Bulog had also coordinated with the Food Task Force and the Economic Sub-Directorate of the Aceh Police's Intelligence and Security Directorate regarding the widespread issue of plastic rice.

"So we ask the public not to be provoked and not to participate in spreading hoax issues that cannot be justified," said M Agung Aulia.