Bareskrim Investigates 5 Brands of Fortifying Rice, Nutritional Content Allegedly Does Not Match Label

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) is investigating allegations of consumer protection violations related to the production and trade of fortifying rice, where its nutritional content reportedly does not match the claims on the packaging labels.

Director of Special Economic Crimes (Dirtipideksus) at Bareskrim Polri, Kombes Suhasto, stated that laboratory tests of samples from five fortifying rice brands revealed discrepancies in quality and nutritional content compared to the information on their packaging.

"The samples were collected by officers from the National Food Agency (Bapanas) of RI, who are certified, and laboratory tests showed that the quality and nutritional content of these five brands do not match the labels on the packaging," Suhasto said during a press conference on Wednesday (21/10/2026).

The five brands in question are Idola Hijau Fortifikasi, Idola Merah Fortifikasi, Raja Lele, Cantik Manis, and Wijaya Kusuma.

In light of these findings, the National Food Agency reported the case to Bareskrim Polri for legal processing.

Investigators then elevated the case from an inquiry to a full investigation after finding at least two pieces of evidence.

"Bareskrim Polri has examined 12 witnesses, including representatives from Bapanas RI; the Director of PT DTA; and the Head of Production at PT DTA," he elaborated.

"Additionally, we requested expert testimony from the laboratory at PT Saraswanti Indo Genetech or SIG, and also sought opinions from consumer protection experts, all aimed at supporting the case's evidence," he continued.

6.4 Tons of Rice Seized

In connection with this case, investigators seized 1,194 packages of fortifying rice, totaling 6,405 kilograms, or about 6.4 tons.

The evidence included 388 packages of Idola Merah weighing 5 kilograms each, 190 packages of Idola Hijau at 5 kilograms each, and 148 packages of Cantik Manis also weighing 5 kilograms each.

"The seized evidence amounts to 1,194 packages of rice, with a total weight of 6,405 kilograms, estimated to be worth Rp 155,260,000, plus one set of rice milling equipment valued at approximately Rp 1 billion," he stated.

How Fortifying Rice Is Made

Suhasto explained that the companies producing this rice use finished rice as their raw material.

Rice is then mixed with kernels (artificial rice grains) as a source of vitamins to create fortifying rice.

The production process involves milling, cleaning, sifting, stone separation, mixing, weighing, and sealing the packaging.

"It's important for the media to know that PT DTA produces specially fortified rice, enriched with vitamins by using finished rice as the raw material. They simply add kernels as a vitamin source," he clarified.

He indicated that the production site where the violations occurred is located in Cipinang Rice Wholesale Market, East Jakarta.

Suhasto further explained that the alleged actions involved applying consumer protection crime charges as stipulated in Article 62 Paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 8 Paragraph (1) letters a, d, e, and f of Law No. 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection, with a maximum prison term of 5 years and/or a fine of up to Rp 2 billion.