By: Gina Dewi*
The government’s firmness in eradicating fraudulent practices that harm the public deserves to be appreciated. Recently, a case was discovered of reducing the contents of 1-liter Minyakita packaging which turned out to only contain 750-800 milliliters. This finding emerged after the Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman conducted a surprise inspection at Pasar Jaya Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta. This fraudulent practice not only violates packaging regulations, but also reflects dishonesty that has an impact on public trust in subsidized food products.
The quick steps taken by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Indonesian National Police through the Directorate of Special Economic Crimes (Dirtipideksus) show the government’s commitment to protecting consumers. The Director of Special Economic Crimes (Dirtipideksus) of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Indonesian National Police, Brigadier General Helfi Assegaf, said that his party had confiscated evidence.
The confiscation of evidence and the investigation process carried out against the three producers involved, namely PT Artha Eka Global Asia, Koperasi Produsen UMKM Kelompok Terpadu Nusantara, and PT Tunas Agro Indolestari, are clear evidence that the government will not tolerate violations that harm the people.
In addition to reducing the contents, this case also revealed the practice of selling above the Highest Retail Price (HET). The official price which should be IDR 15,700 per liter is sold for IDR 18,000 per liter. In an increasingly challenging economic situation, especially during the month of Ramadan when basic needs increase, this practice is very detrimental to the community, especially the lower middle class who are very dependent on subsidized cooking oil.
Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that companies proven to have committed violations must be closed and their permits revoked. He stated that he would ask the authorities to revoke their permits because these actions are clearly detrimental to the people.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also emphasized that producers who falsify and reduce the dosage of Minyakita will be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable laws. He ensured that all parties involved in this practice will be processed legally and subject to sanctions in accordance with applicable provisions.
Furthermore, the investigation conducted showed that this fraud did not only occur in one region, but also in various other regions. Thus, action against the perpetrators must be carried out comprehensively and not limited to producers, but also to distributors and traders who also play with prices outside the provisions. Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso stated that the government has been supervising since the beginning and will continue to tighten control over subsidized food products so that they are not misused by irresponsible parties. He emphasized that supervision will continue to be increased and ensure that Minyakita reaches the community at a price that is in accordance with the HET.
This case is a reminder for all parties, especially business actors, not to play around with the people’s basic needs. Dishonesty in business, especially those related to food, is an act that not only violates the law but also violates the values of social justice. Therefore, the firm policies implemented by the government must continue to be supported by all elements of society.
In addition, government efforts to improve supervision need to be complemented by a more effective reporting system from the community. Consumers must be given access to report suspected fraud that they encounter in the field. With active participation from the community, supervision can be more optimal and prevention of similar practices can be carried out more quickly.
It is also important to ensure that all distribution and production mechanisms of Minyakita run in accordance with applicable regulations. The government needs to conduct socialization to producers and distributors regarding the standards and legal sanctions that will be imposed if violations occur. In addition, stricter monitoring at the production and distribution levels will help prevent the possibility of similar violations occurring again.
In facing this challenge, collaboration between various parties, including the government, law enforcement, producers, distributors, and the community is essential. The involvement of all parties will strengthen the monitoring system and ensure that subsidized products really reach the hands of the people who need them.
In the future, it is hoped that the strengthening of regulations on subsidized food products will be further tightened. The use of technology, such as a digital tracking system for the distribution of goods, can be a solution so that discrepancies between the amount of production and goods circulating in the market can be detected immediately. In addition, the application of strict sanctions against perpetrators who are proven guilty must provide a deterrent effect so that no one else dares to commit similar fraud.
With the assertiveness of the government tah in eradicating Minyakita adulteration, it is hoped that the community can regain their rights to quality products that meet established standards. The government’s seriousness in handling this case is proof that consumer protection is not just rhetoric, but a real commitment to realizing justice for all Indonesian people.
*The author is an UMKM actor
