Prabowo Vows Crack Down on Companies Cheating Rice Distribution

President Prabowo Subianto strongly criticized corrupt practices in Indonesia’s rice trade during his speech at the 27th anniversary of the National Awakening Party (PKB). He pledged to take action against companies that manipulate and inflate the price of subsidized rice, which he estimated to be costing the country up to Rp100 trillion annually. Prabowo highlighted how various aspects of rice production are subsidized by the government, but once the rice is processed, it is repackaged and sold at higher prices as ‘premium rice’. This unethical practice has been identified in 212 rice milling companies, who have been urged to return the profits obtained through dishonest means. The President emphasized that such actions are criminal, as they directly harm the people and go against the Constitution. He stated that these losses could have been utilized for essential public services and instructed the National Police Chief and Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against the perpetrators. Prabowo clarified that his actions are not based on personal motives but are in accordance with the constitutional duty to control sectors crucial to the nation’s welfare, such as the rice industry. The President’s firm stance against rice distribution malpractices reflects his commitment to upholding justice and safeguarding the interests of the Indonesian people.

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