The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) has uncovered a long-standing case involving the mixing of rice under the government's Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program. This adulteration scheme has resulted in state losses amounting to Rp10 trillion over the course of five years.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that his ministry, in cooperation with the National Police Food Task Force, the Ministry of Trade, and the National Food Agency (Bapanas), conducted direct inspections at SPHP distribution sites. Their investigation found that only 20% of SPHP rice was displayed in retail outlets, while the remaining 80% was mixed and sold as premium rice at higher prices.

“We went directly to the distribution points and saw firsthand that only 20% was displayed, while 80% was repackaged and sold as premium rice at a price increase of Rp2,000 to Rp3,000,” said Amran during a working meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (July 2, 2025).

Amran explained that this fraudulent activity has cost the state approximately Rp2 trillion each year, totaling Rp10 trillion over five years. He admitted that exposing this practice was a major challenge for his ministry, but he is ready to bear the consequences going forward.

“The government subsidizes Rp1,500 per kilogram. Then the price is marked up by Rp2,000 to Rp3,000. If we calculate the loss, it’s Rp2 trillion annually. Over five years, it adds up to Rp10 trillion. In just one operation, losses can reach Rp1.4 trillion. This is difficult for us, but we are prepared to face the risks,” Amran explained.

Adulterated Rice Found in Minimarkets

Amran further revealed that the mixed rice had been circulating not only in minimarkets but also in well-known supermarkets. This was discovered after his team took rice samples from several retail chains.

“The adulterated rice was indeed found in both supermarkets and minimarkets. We collected samples from all levels of distribution,” Amran told reporters.

Following the exposure of this case, Amran stated that minimarkets had begun pulling the adulterated rice from their shelves. He expressed hope that this step would have a positive impact on the public.

“There’s already movement to withdraw the products, and hopefully this brings good results for consumers,” he added.

Previously, Arief Prasetyo Adi, Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), said that his office had also conducted field checks. Based on their findings, Arief confirmed that rice under the SPHP program had been mixed to increase profits. This was due to the use of imported rice with a broken grain percentage of 5%.

“The imported rice used previously had a 5% broken grain level. Technically, that qualifies as premium rice. If the package is opened and mixed, it creates profit potential. This kind of practice is unacceptable. SPHP rice should be distributed in proper 5-kilogram packages and placed at the right outlets,” Arief stated during a meeting with Commission IV of the DPR RI in South Jakarta on July 1, 2025.