Amran enlists students in probe of fortified rice case
Amran targets action in 2-3 weeks, with consumer losses in the fortified rice case estimated at Rp71 triliun.
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman urged student and youth groups to help oversee enforcement in the alleged fortified rice syndicate case during a dialogue in Jakarta on Sunday (2/8). Amran said the investigation would be accelerated within two to three weeks after receiving support from participants. He said fortified rice should be reserved for low-income communities to help prevent stunting, but was found being sold in supermarkets for as much as Rp42.000 per kilogram. Amran said preliminary findings point to potential consumer losses of about Rp71 triliun. He also clarified the Rp2 triliun figure that had been linked to one rice mill, saying it referred to estimated public losses, not the profit of any one company. The Agriculture Ministry also highlighted alleged premium rice that did not meet quality standards, with potential public losses estimated at Rp98 triliun.