President Prabowo Subianto strongly condemned corrupt practices in Indonesia’s rice trade during the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB). He expressed his determination to clamp down on companies that manipulate and hike up the price of subsidized rice, revealing that this misconduct amounts to a staggering Rp100 trillion annually. The President highlighted how various elements of rice production, from seeds to fertilizers, are heavily subsidized by the government, only for the final product to be repackaged as ‘premium rice’ and sold at inflated prices. He disclosed that 212 rice milling companies have been identified engaging in such unscrupulous activities and urged them to repay their ill-gotten gains. Prabowo firmly labeled this behavior as criminal, emphasizing the theft of public resources and blatant violation of the Constitution. He underscored the massive financial impact of this scheme, stressing that the diverted funds could have significantly improved public services across Indonesia. The President asserted his commitment to taking swift and decisive action, tasking the National Police Chief and the Attorney General with thorough investigations and legal proceedings. Notably, Prabowo clarified that his actions are rooted in the constitutional obligation to oversee vital sectors such as rice, corn, and cooking oil for the benefit of the people. He emphasized that his stance is driven by upholding the nation’s fundamental laws, rather than personal interests.
Prabowo Promises Crackdown on Companies Cheating Rice Distribution
