The DKI Provincial Government Is Still Trying To Stock Premium Rice In Supermarkets Due To Oplosan Cases

Rice sold at varying prices. (doc. Ministry of Agriculture's Bureau of Communication and Public Services)

JAKARTA - The Provincial Government (Pemprov) of DKI Jakarta is still working on the availability of premium rice stocks at the Jakarta supermarket after the case of mixed rice some time ago.

However, for medium rice, the Head of the DKI Jakarta Food, Maritime and Agriculture Security Service (DKPKP) Hasudungan Sidabalok explained that its availability is still easy to find, especially in traditional markets.

"So actually we have been trying for a long time," said Hasudungan in Jakarta, Friday, October 3, as quoted by Antara.

For premium rice, because at the time of the rice mixing case, the milling at the Food Station was sealed by the Criminal Investigation Department. "At that time it was not allowed or not allowed to anneal rice or operate it or package it," he said.

So, said Hasudungan, this has an effect on the availability and production of premium rice in Jakarta.

In addition, there are also several producers or parties involved in the rice mixing case, experiencing the same fate.

Hasudungan explained that they were not allowed to anneal or package the rice. This then further affects the availability of premium rice in Jakarta.

Apart from the case of mixed rice, Hasudungan said, the price of dry unhulled rice at the farmer level also increased at the same time, causing prices to increase.

Manufacturers refrain from buying because the purchase price is high, the production price is high and the selling price is also automatic.

"So they don't dare to give prices above the HET set by the government. Because of that, there are standards," said Hasudungan.

Hasudungan explained that his party was stabilizing prices by issuing stabilization rice for Supply and Food Prices (SPHP) in collaboration with the National Food Agency and Perum Bulog.

"And at least it can also help our friends who consume medium rice. So for SPHP rice, it is specifically for medium rice," said Hasudungan.