Police Investigate Rice Box Samples Distributed By PSI Causes Koja Residents To Be Poisoned

Illustrated / VOI

JAKARTA - The Koja Sector Police, North Jakarta investigated a sample of boxed rice distributed by Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) cadres and was suspected of causing a number of residents to be poisoned.

Koja Police Chief AKBP Abdul Rasyid said the sample of boxed rice containing green beans, eggs and orek tempeh was sent to the National Police laboratory in Sentul, Bogor, West Java, as part of the initial investigation.

"So we haven't examined the witnesses. Later, the laboratory results will find out, for example, does the rice have poison? What kind? What poison?," Rasyid told reporters in North Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Monday, October 25.

The Regional Leadership Council of the North Jakarta Indonesian Solidarity Party (DPD PSI) apologized for the alleged food poisoning incident.

North Jakarta PSI DPD chairman Darma Utama also promised compensation to victims of suspected poisoning. The victim is a resident of Kampung Beting, Koja, North Jakarta.

Darma said the fast food was part of the "Rice Box PSI" program which had been held since April 2021.

To date, he said, more than 300 thousand have been distributed throughout Indonesia. So far, no problems at all.

"This is the first time something like the incident in Kampung Beting happened," said Darma Utama in a written statement in Jakarta, Monday.

The "Rice Box PSI" program involves food stalls and culinary Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who are also affected by the pandemic, as providers or suppliers.

"So PSI does not make food. We distribute and collect support for this program from the public," said Darma.

Darma added, the essence of "Rice Box PSI" is to support MSMEs affected by the pandemic so that the people's economy is more vibrant.

His party has conducted an internal investigation so that cases like this do not happen again. "We still think positively that this is pure negligence without an element of intent. We are waiting for the investigation process to take place," he said.

PSI has also provided compensation to 29 victims.

Meanwhile, the shop owner, Lidya, has also apologized for the food poisoning incident in Kampung Beting, Koja, North Jakarta. During this time he has been keeping food safe for consumption.

He has been working with PSI to provide food for the "Rice Box PSI" program since last August and has cooked for more than 1,000 boxes of rice.

"I apologize profusely for this incident. This is purely my fault," said Lidya.

Lidya thanked PSI because the program has helped her culinary business survive in the midst of this pandemic.