President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia recently delivered a strong message against food fraud, specifically addressing deceptive practices within the rice trade. During the closing ceremony of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Congress in Solo, the President expressed his concern over reports of rice adulteration where regular rice is being misrepresented and sold as premium quality at inflated prices. He emphasized the negative impact these practices have on the public and vowed to take action against those responsible, instructing law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate and prosecute such offenders. President Prabowo classified this fraudulent scheme as a significant economic crime, estimating annual losses of up to IDR 100 trillion, which he described as a massive betrayal of the people and a threat to national welfare. He urged the public to contemplate the potential positive changes that could be achieved if such financial losses were prevented, highlighting the possibility of eradicating poverty in Indonesia with the recovered funds.
