These two premium rice brands are allegedly circulated in Gunungkidul, Disdag intervene

KABARAJAWA – The Gunungkidul Regency Trade Office (Disdag) shook the public after finding two premium rice brands allegedly circulating freely circulating in modern stores of this region.

Disdag officers together with the Food Task Force and the Department of Agriculture and Food (DPP) Gunungkidul immediately combed traditional markets and modern shops in sudden inspections on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Head of Disdag Gunungkidul, Kelik Yuniantoro, confirmed the findings when confirmed Sunday, July 20, 2025. He stated that the team found two mixed rice brands on modern shop racks. However, they did not find mixed rice brands at the Argosari Market while conducting a sudden inspection.

“We found two rice brands of alleged adulterated rice in modern shops. While we did not find the Argosari Market,” said Kelik.

Kelik immediately ordered the team to give an appeal to the manager of modern shops to immediately reduce the two brand of mixed rice. He asked that the product not be displayed and sold to the public to maintain food safety.

“We have appealed that the two brands are not displayed and not sold to the community. For law enforcement, we are still waiting for the Ministry’s decision, because of its legal authority at the center,” explained Kelik.

Kelik asserted that Disdag Gunungkidul would continue inspection to a number of traditional markets and other modern stores. He ensured that the team would expand the scope of monitoring to ensure the safety of rice in Gunungkidul.

“We will monitor again. We will increase the shops and markets that we check. We want to ensure the rice sold in Gunungkidul is safe and quality,” he said.

Further coordination and investigation related to mixed rice

Head of Trade Disdag Gunungkidul, Ris Heriyani, also stressed the importance of the caution of the community. He asked residents to be more selective in choosing rice to be consumed.

“We urge the public to be more selective. The ministry has issued a list of mixed rice products. The public can access and ensure the products are safe,” said RIS.

RIS added, Disdag Gunungkidul had coordinated with Bulog to maintain price stability and the availability of rice in the market. It held a market operation and cheap market to reduce public unrest.

“We make sure the prices remain stable and safe stock. We want the community to be calm and not panic,” said Ris.

Meanwhile, the results of the investigation of the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) together with the National Police Food Task Force revealed a surprising facts. There are at least 212 rice brands in Indonesia that do not meet quality standards, ranging from bottled weight, composition, to the label.

The Directorate of Special Economic Crimes (Dirtipideksus) Bareskrim Polri currently examines four large companies that produce and distribute these mixed rice. The four companies are Wilmar Group, PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya, PT Belitang Panen Raya, and PT Sentosa Utama Lestari (JAPFA Group).

Wilmar Group recorded managing a number of popular brands such as Sania, Sovia, Fortune, and Siip. While PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya produces premium rice such as Setra Ramos, Pulan Wangi rice, Food Station, Ramos Premium, Setra Pulen, and Setra Ramos.

PT Belitang Panen Raya was also dragged into this case with two of its superior brands, Raja Platinum and King Ultima. While PT Sentosa Utama Lestari (Japfa Group) is included in the list with Ayana Brand Premium Rice Products.

The National Police Food Task Force has requested information from the four companies to explore the alleged mixing of premium rice which caused anxious public unrest.

With this finding, Disdag Gunungkidul emphasized his commitment to maintain the security of the people’s food. Kelik ensures that the sudden inspection and monitoring will continue so that no more mixed rice circulating in Gunungkidul.

“We will continue to supervise. We want the Gunungkidul community to consume safe and quality rice,” he concluded firmly.