By: Rivka Mayangsari *)
The government has shown a firm stance in taking action against irresponsible cooking oil producers who harm the community. Various violations related to the production and distribution of Minyakita cooking oil have been revealed, and the government has moved quickly to impose strict sanctions on parties involved in this fraudulent practice.
In this case, the Ministry of Cooperatives (Kemenkop) acted quickly by revoking the identity of the Integrated Nusantara Group UMKM Producer Cooperative in Kudus which was proven to have committed violations in the distribution of Minyakita. This step was taken to ensure that cooperatives function in accordance with the principles of family, mutual cooperation, and shared welfare, as are the main goals of cooperatives in Indonesia.
The Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs, Budi Arie Setiadi, emphasized that the government will not tolerate actions that can harm the community, especially by cooperatives. He stated that cooperatives must be a healthy and transparent economic vehicle, and if anyone violates it, their permits will be revoked and their legal entities will be frozen through the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
The government also invites the public to participate in supervision. If there are indications of cooperatives or companies carrying out fraudulent practices in the distribution of Minyakita, it is hoped that the public will immediately report it to the authorities so that it can be followed up immediately.
Previously, Member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sarmuji, asked the government to take firm action against perpetrators who deliberately counterfeit Minyakita. According to him, this action was very blatant and caused great losses to the public.
He explained that the fraud committed by these fraudulent individuals was very clear. The losses experienced by the public were very large, and the violations committed were in accordance with Article 8 of the Consumer Protection Law concerning Prohibited Acts for Business Actors, especially regarding the size, dosage, and scales that did not comply with the actual provisions.
In addition, Sarmuji requested that the Food Task Force and the Ministry of Trade immediately conduct a comprehensive audit of all Minyakita producers who have production permits. If violations are found, the government must immediately revoke their business permits and impose administrative and criminal sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations.
Furthermore, Sarmuji emphasized the importance of consumer protection as a top priority. He also revealed that there were indications of the circulation of Minyakita with similar packaging, but sold at a higher price and with inappropriate measurements. This indicates that certain parties are deliberately misusing Minyakita production by not complying with the standards set by the Ministry of Trade.
The public is also asked to be more careful in purchasing Minyakita. They are advised to check the packaging, price, and measurements listed to avoid becoming victims of fraudulent practices by irresponsible parties.
Not only in Kudus, similar violations were also found in Karawang, West Java. The government officially sealed the PT Artha Eka Global Asia (Aega) factory after it was discovered that there were violations in the provisions on the dosage of the Minyakita products they produce. The Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, immediately led a surprise inspection of the factory, and the results were very surprising. He explained that the company had been sealed and could no longer operate.
In the inspection carried out by the Ministry of Trade together with the National Police Task Force, 140 boxes of Minyakita and 32,284 empty bottles were found ready to be used for production. This fact further clarifies the serious violations committed by PT Aega, so the government has no other choice but to revoke the company’s operational permit.
In addition, the government will also take action against distributors involved in the distribution of Minyakita from companies that violate the rules. The government does not want any party to take advantage by harming the common people who need subsidized cooking oil at affordable prices.
These cases are clear evidence that the government will not remain silent when facing unscrupulous individuals who try to take advantage in unethical ways. Minyakita is a subsidized product to help people get cooking oil at affordable prices. However, if there are parties who take advantage of this policy for personal gain, the government will act without compromise.
These firm steps are expected to provide a deterrent effect for other business actors so that they do not try to commit similar fraud. The government also appeals to the public to be more careful in purchasing Minyakita products and to immediately report if they find any indications of fraud.
In addition, the government will increase cooperation with the authorities at law enforcement, including the Police and the Prosecutor’s Office, to ensure that all perpetrators involved in the misuse of Minyakita distribution receive appropriate punishment. With cross-sector coordination, it is hoped that supervision can be tightened and prevent similar cases from happening again in the future.
This firm action is proof that the government is truly present in protecting the interests of the people and ensuring that Minyakita distribution runs according to established regulations. In the future, supervision will continue to be tightened, and heavier sanctions will await anyone who dares to cheat in this business. The government is committed to continuing to supervise and prosecute all forms of deviation for the welfare of the people.
*) Consumer Observer
