JAKARTA – The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforce regulations against traders selling food products above the Maximum Retail Price (HET) to maintain price stability during Ramadan. This measure aims to protect consumers’ purchasing power and ensure the availability of essential goods at affordable prices.
Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that his ministry will conduct surprise inspections (sidak) in markets and impose strict sanctions on traders and producers who unfairly increase prices.
“If any trader sells above HET, we will take firm action. We will seal their businesses and revoke their licenses. This has been agreed upon with the National Police Chief,” said Amran.
He also emphasized that producers violating HET regulations would face the same penalties. “Yes, if any producer breaks the rule, we will also take action against them,” he added.
The Food Task Force (Satgas Pangan) of Polda Metro Jaya has also confirmed its readiness to penalize traders who excessively increase food prices beyond the set limits.
AKBP Anggi Saputra Ibrahim, Head of Sub-Directorate I for Trade and Industry at the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Dit Reskrimsus) of Polda Metro Jaya, stated that legal actions would be taken against speculators seeking excessive profits.
“If violations are found, we will issue warnings, revoke business licenses, and even impose criminal sanctions if necessary. All measures are in accordance with existing regulations,” Anggi stated.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) has tightened monitoring of Minyakita distribution to ensure price stability.
Ministry Secretary-General Isy Karim revealed that Minyakita is currently being sold above the HET of Rp17,000 per liter due to irregular distribution channels, where many traders purchase Minyakita from other sellers at higher prices.
“We are working on fixing the distribution channels because some traders obtain Minyakita from indirect sources. We will investigate this issue, particularly at the second-tier distributors (D2),” Isy stated at the Ministry of Trade office.
He added that strict action would be taken against distributors selling Minyakita above the government-mandated price.
According to regulations, traders selling Minyakita above the HET of Rp15,700 per liter could face criminal sanctions, including up to five years in prison or a fine of Rp2 billion.
This policy underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining price stability and protecting the public from harmful trade practices. The collaborative efforts between ministries and law enforcement agencies are expected to curb price speculation and ensure that food distribution follows the established guidelines.
