President Prabowo Subianto strongly criticized the corrupt practices in Indonesia’s rice trade during the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB). He pledged to take action against companies that manipulate and increase the price of subsidized rice, estimating an annual loss of up to Rp100 trillion for the country. The President highlighted how various aspects of rice production are subsidized by the government, only to see the final product repackaged and sold at a higher price. He identified 212 rice milling companies involved in such deceitful practices, emphasizing the need for them to return the illicit profits. Prabowo denounced this behavior as criminal, stating that it not only cheats the people but also goes against the Constitution. He indicated that these losses could have been allocated to improving public services, stressing the urgent need for intervention. President Prabowo instructed the National Police Chief and the Attorney General to investigate, prosecute, and confiscate assets related to this scam, emphasizing that his actions are mandated by the Constitution rather than personal motives. He underscored the importance of state control over sectors crucial to the nation’s well-being, such as rice, corn, and cooking oil, in accordance with Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution.
Prabowo Pledges to Clamp Down on Rice Distribution Frauds – Rp100 Trillion Lost
