Fake Fortified Rice Deceives Consumers, Agriculture Minister Demands Harshest Punishment

KOMPAS.com - Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has expressed his outrage over the circulation of 25 brands of counterfeit fortified rice.

Amran is intolerant of perpetrators who rack up huge profits through this illegal activity.

"Do not exploit the suffering of the people for enormous profits. For instance, recently there was fortified rice being sold with a profit of Rp40,000 per kilo. This is wrong, and it is not fortified rice. It's fake and sold at a high price," Amran stressed, quoted from Antara, Saturday (19/9/2026).

Amran plans to pursue legal action regarding this fortified rice discovery and demands severe punishment for the offenders.

"We contacted the National Police Chief. Immediate firm action must be taken. There can be no leniency. If necessary, give the harshest punishment. This concerns the livelihoods of many people, not just one individual. It’s for 286 million people—we must protect them," he asserted.

One suspected producer of counterfeit fortified rice, PT Buyung Poetra Sembada Tbk (HOKI), has responded to these allegations.

HOKI Responds

Muliati, Director of PT Buyung Poetra Sembada Tbk (HOKI), spoke out regarding the indication that their company’s products sold counterfeit fortified rice.

In a public disclosure at the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI), the company acknowledged receiving a letter from the Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Office (KPKP) of DKI Jakarta Province concerning this matter.

"The company understands that these products are subject to government supervision. We respect the oversight results and the follow-up processes undertaken by the authorized government institutions and will proceed accordingly with a fair examination following applicable regulations," Muliati explained, quoted from Kontan, Friday (18/9/2026).

Four HOKI products are suspected to be counterfeit fortified rice because they do not comply with regulations: Topi Koki Short Grain, Topi Koki Setra Royale, Topi Koki Long Grain Crystal, and HOK-1 Gohan.

These four products are on the market, and the company is currently conducting inventories, from warehouse stocks to the distribution chain.

The process includes checking products at distributors and agents, retailers, as well as electronic marketing platforms managed by third parties.

This inventory effort aims to better understand the position and quantity of products comprehensively and forms part of the company’s evaluation of the impact of this issue.

Financial Impact

Regarding the financial impact or potential costs such as product recalls, inventory write-downs, or provisions for other liabilities, the company has not yet determined the exact amount.

"The company is still conducting an in-depth evaluation and cannot yet estimate the precise financial impact, potential recall costs, inventory write-downs, or other liability provisions," Muliati explained.

Currently, the company’s operations continue normally, following directions from governmental authorities.

As for follow-up actions regarding these findings, HOKI stated it cannot yet confirm whether sanctions like a full product recall or other formal legal actions will be imposed.

"As of this information disclosure date, HOKI cannot estimate the total potential costs or liabilities that might arise, considering the ongoing inventory process, recalls, and coordination with relevant government agencies," Muliati added.

This article previously appeared in Kontan with the title "Buyung Poetra (HOKI) Addresses Fortified Rice Issue: 4 Products Found by KPKP DKI" and in Antara with the headline "Amran Outlines Violations of 25 Brands of Fortified Rice"