Jakarta – The government will take strict action against Minyakita distributors who commit violations in order to maintain price stability and protect consumers.
Minister of Trade (Mendag), Budi Santoso, emphasized that his party is ready to impose sanctions on line 2 distributors who are proven to have committed fraud.
“There are (sanctions). We will warn them first. If they continue to do it, we will revoke their distributor permits,” said Minister of Trade Budi Santoso.
He explained that the supply of Minyakita is safe and the price has been regulated by the government. The price from the producer to line 1 distributors is set at IDR 13,500 per liter, from line 1 distributors to line 2 distributors IDR 14,000 per liter, and from line 2 distributors to retailers IDR 14,500 per liter. The selling price to consumers is set at IDR 15,700 per liter.
However, some unscrupulous distributors sell Minyakita with unreasonable minimum purchase requirements, for example having to buy a minimum of 50 or 100 boxes.
“Small retailers have difficulty buying, while large retailers actually sell it again to small retailers at a higher price. This makes the price of Minyakita even more expensive for the public,” explained Minister of Trade Budi Santoso.
Currently, the Food Task Force together with the regional government are monitoring the distribution of Minyakita to prevent such fraudulent practices.
The government also asks the public to report if they find irregularities in the distribution of Minyakita.
The Ministry of Trade has opened a complaint channel for consumers who feel disadvantaged. “If there are indications of violations, report them immediately so that they can be followed up quickly,” added Budi Santoso.
This step is expected to maintain fairness in distribution.
Similarly, the Director General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order, Moga Simatupang, emphasized that Minyakita that does not meet the requirements will be withdrawn from the market according to Permendag Number 18 of 2024.
“If there is no improvement within seven days after the warning, the sanctions can be in the form of stopping sales, closing the warehouse, or revoking the business license,” he said.
The perpetrators can also be charged with the Consumer Protection Law with the threat of five years in prison or a fine of IDR 2 billion.
Director of Special Economic Crimes at the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit Brigadier General Pol. Helfi Assegaf revealed that the police have named one suspect in the fraudulent distribution of Minyakita.
“The suspect is the factory head and branch head of PT Arya Rasa Nabati,” said Brigadier General Pol. Helfi Assegaf.
The government continues to monitor the distribution of Minyakita so that it remains affordable for the community. []
