Titiek Suharto: Coordinating Minister For Food Don't Just Be Silent About Oplosan Rice

Chairman of Commission IV DPR RI Siti Hediati Hariyadi or Titiek Soeharto (Nailin/VOI)

JAKARTA - Chairman of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Siti Hediati Hariyadi or Titiek Soeharto, asked the Coordinating Minister for National Food, Zulkifli Hasan, to intervene to overcome the chaos of mixed rice which is increasingly troubling the community.

Titiek made this statement when asked for a response regarding the need for the Ministry of Agriculture to withdraw mixed rice that is still circulating on the market.

"We leave it to the ministry, that's the Coordinating Minister. Please also intervene, don't just shut up," Titiek told reporters at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Wednesday, April 16.

Titiek reminded the importance of coordination between agencies so that the handling of the adulterated rice issue does not confuse the public.

"So that this is coordinated. Don't get a little excited, that's the scene. People are confused," said the Gerindra Party legislator from the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

He also emphasized that all companies proven to have committed fraudulent practices must be dealt with firmly, indiscriminately.

"If it's a big company, it must be dealt with. We can't be picky. Whether it's big or small, if it's proven to be positive, then we will take action," he said.

Previously, the Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman had explained this case in a working meeting with Commission IV of the DPR which discussed the 2024 State Budget Central Government Financial Report (LKPP). Therefore, Titiek assessed that there was no need for a special meeting to discuss mixed rice.

"I don't think we need a special meeting. There are many other important things. We ask the minister to provide a written report on mixed rice so that it can be distributed to members of Commission IV," he explained.

According to Titiek, an official report from the Ministry of Agriculture is needed so that council members do not speculate when discussing this case.

"So that members don't talk too much. Don't make assumptions. The explanation must be clear what it looks like," he added.

Regarding sanctions for perpetrators, Titiek emphasized that everything was returned to the Ministry of Agriculture's policy. However, he reminded the importance of preventing similar cases from happening again.

"The important thing is no more, yes. Whether it's a small or large company, if proven, it must be dealt with," he concluded.