Solo — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has issued a stern warning against food fraud, condemning deceptive practices in the rice trade that he says are harming the public. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) Congress in Solo on Sunday (July 20), the President addressed recent reports of rice adulteration by unscrupulous traders—where regular rice is falsely marketed and sold as premium, at inflated prices.

“There are still malicious schemes by certain businesspeople who deceive the people. Ordinary rice is passed off as premium, and the price is raised arbitrarily. This is a violation,” the President declared forcefully.

But Prabowo went beyond criticism—he issued a direct order to law enforcement authorities to act swiftly and decisively.

“I have instructed the Attorney General and the National Police to investigate and prosecute these business actors—without exception,” he said.

Prabowo categorized the scheme as a major economic crime, citing internal reports estimating annual losses to the state and consumers at a staggering IDR 100 trillion (approximately USD 6 billion).

“I’ve received a report: Indonesia loses IDR 100 trillion every year from this. That means IDR 1,000 trillion over five years. This is a massive economic crime,” he stated.

To Prabowo, this is no longer a case of market distortion—it is a direct threat to national welfare and stability.

“In my view, this is a form of economic subversion. It’s a betrayal of the people,” he emphasized.

The President further urged the public to reflect on how such colossal losses could otherwise be used to transform the nation.

“Imagine what we could do with IDR 100 trillion a year. With IDR 1,000 trillion in five years, we could possibly eradicate poverty in Indonesia,” Prabowo said.