By Fithra Faisal, PhD
The Qur’an emphasizes at least five times the importance of honest measurements and weights in trade. In Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83), verses 1–3, Allah SWT warns:
“Woe to those who give less [than due], those who, when they take a measure from people, take in full. But if they give by measure or weight to others, they cause loss.”
Similar injunctions appear in Surah Al-Isra (17):35, Al-A’raf (7):85, Hud (11):84–85, and Ar-Rahman (55):7–9. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also warned, “Whoever deceives others is not of us” (Narrated by Muslim, no. 102).
Indonesia’s Consumer Protection Law No. 8/1999 is equally clear: businesses are prohibited from selling goods that deviate in size, volume, weight, or quantity—as well as from making false claims about product quality.
Yet, in practice, “rules often remain just rules.” Weak law enforcement, coupled with vested interests and political interference, allows dishonest business practices to flourish—at the expense of consumers.
🚨 Consumer Protection Under President Prabowo
On the evening of July 30, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto once again summoned top law enforcement officials to the Presidential Palace. The main agenda: ensuring rice traders uphold integrity in both quality and measurement. As of July 29, four major rice producers are already under formal investigation by the Indonesian National Police.
This is no trivial matter. Indonesia consumes around 30 million tons of rice annually. At a price of IDR 10,000 per kilogram, the rice market is worth IDR 300 trillion (≈USD 19 billion) per year. A dishonest markup of just IDR 1,000 per kilo translates into IDR 30 trillion (≈USD 1.9 billion) in unearned profit.
A recent audit by the Ministry of Agriculture revealed that of 212 “premium” rice brands being sold at IDR 18,000 per kilo, 189 were in fact lower-quality medium rice, which should retail for only IDR 12,000 per kilo. That’s a price gap of IDR 6,000 per kilo—clear evidence of consumer deception.
President Prabowo’s firm stance on the rice issue adds to his growing record as a champion of consumer rights. Beyond being Indonesia’s Commander in Chief, he is emerging as our “Consumer Protector in Chief”—a leader defending the public against the “greednomics” that has long permeated the marketplace.
✅ Major Consumer Fraud Cases Uncovered and Prosecuted Under President Prabowo
📏 Cooking oil labeled as 1 liter sold in 700–800 ml bottles
🏷️ Cooking oil with a government-set retail price (HET) of IDR 15,700 sold at IDR 18,000
🚗 Pertalite fuel (RON 90) sold fraudulently as Pertamax (RON 92)
🍚 Medium-grade rice falsely marketed as premium rice
🚰 Refilled water sold under commercial bottled water brand names—without licensing
