By: Riki Alamsyah )*
Ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2025, the government is tightening supervision of Minyakita cooking oil. This step was taken to ensure that products circulating in the community comply with the provisions and do not harm consumers. The Ministry of Trade found various violations committed by a number of companies in the distribution and production process of Minyakita, ranging from reduced volume to incomplete permits.
The Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, said that there were around 66 companies that were proven to have committed violations. The government has imposed administrative sanctions on business actors who have been proven to have violated the rules, including sealing factories that do not meet standards. One of the companies that was sealed was PT NNI in Tangerang, which is known to produce Minyakita with a volume of less than 1 liter. Findings in the field showed that the Minyakita bottle from this factory only contained 750 ml, which clearly violates applicable provisions.
In addition, the government is also monitoring the case of alleged violations committed by PT AEGA. This company is known to have sold the Minyakita license to two companies in Rajeg and Pasar Kemis, Tangerang, at a cost of IDR 12 million per month. This practice is considered to violate distribution regulations, so the three companies have been banned from operating. The government ensures that no company can take advantage of the Minyakita scheme for personal gain at the expense of consumers.
This tighter supervision is carried out to avoid similar practices that may occur in the future. The Ministry of Trade together with the National Police continue to carry out strict monitoring so that no party tries to commit fraud. The government appeals to producers and distributors to comply with the regulations, considering that the need for cooking oil is increasing ahead of Eid.
The government also emphasized that violations of the Minyakita rules will not be tolerated. Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, stated that President Prabowo Subianto was very angry about these cases of fraud. He emphasized that the state must not allow parties to take advantage by reducing the contents of cooking oil or selling it at a higher price than that set. Sudaryono said that to date several companies have been reported to the police and their cases are being processed.
In Solo, Central Java, the government also found two other companies suspected of carrying out similar practices. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that no party should play around with the interests of the people. The government will not allow business actors to reduce the volume or quality of Minyakita just for short-term profit.
The government also ensures that anyone who violates the law will be dealt with firmly without discrimination. The President emphasized that no one is immune to the law in Indonesia. With strict law enforcement, it is hoped that there will be a deterrent effect for business actors so that they do not repeat violations that harm the people.
As a concrete step, the Ministry of Trade has taken a policy to withdraw all Minyakita products that do not meet the requirements from the market. The Director General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order, Moga Simatupang, said that this policy is based on the Regulation of the Minister of Trade Number 18 of 2024 concerning Packaged Palm Cooking Oil and Governance of People’s Cooking Oil. The regulation stipulates that any violation can be subject to sanctions, including withdrawing products from distribution.
The product withdrawal is carried out in stages. Producers who are proven to have violated the rules will receive two written warnings within seven working days. If there is no improvement within the specified time limit, the government will take further action, such as temporarily suspending sales, closing storage warehouses, and revoking business licenses.
In addition to violating trade regulations, manipulation of product content and size also violates Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection. Companies found guilty can be subject to criminal sanctions of up to five years in prison or a maximum fine of IDR 2 billion. The government wants to ensure that every consumer gets their rights by purchasing products according to established standards.
In recent times, the government has continued to conduct surprise inspections in various regions to ensure that the Minyakita products in circulation are in accordance with regulations. The results of the supervision show that there are still companies selling Minyakita at prices above the highest retail price (HET). Although the price on the packaging is listed at IDR 15,700 per liter, several retailers are known to be selling it at IDR 18,000.
The government reminds that the price of Minyakita has been determined to maintain price stability and people’s purchasing power. Therefore, distributors and retailerscer who sell it above the set price will be subject to strict sanctions.
The government’s support for the people in the Minyakita case is clear evidence that consumer protection is a top priority. With strict supervision, clear regulations, and strict law enforcement, it is hoped that there will be no more fraudulent practices in the distribution of Minyakita. The government is committed to continuing to ensure that cooking oil is available at a reasonable price and with quality that meets standards.
In dealing with this problem, the government also invites the public to play an active role in reporting if they find irregularities related to the distribution or price of Minyakita. With the involvement of all parties, supervision of this basic necessity product will be more effective.
The steps taken by the government are part of an effort to ensure that the welfare of the community is maintained. With firmness in taking action against violators, it is hoped that no more parties will try to seek profit by harming the people. Supervision will continue to be carried out periodically so that Minyakita remains a product that can be relied on by all Indonesian people.
)* Public Policy Observer
