“All types of rice have their respective HET levels and regulations that must be followed,”

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The government will revoke the business licenses of rice distributors, traders, and retailers who fail to comply with the Highest Retail Price (HET) regulation as part of efforts to control food prices.

“We have agreed to urge rice distributors, traders, and retailers to comply with the HET regulation. This appeal is valid for two weeks. If they fail to comply, we will revoke their licenses,” Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday.

Amran said the government would not tolerate price violations, citing the Rp150 trillion (around $9.7 billion) subsidy allocated for rice, with subsidized prices set between Rp4,900 and Rp5,000 ($0.32–$0.33) per kilogram.

He emphasized the importance of strict supervision in distribution and sales to ensure that the subsidy reaches consumers.

In addition to the appeal, the government is conducting market operations in parallel to stabilize prices and ensure rice availability.

Amran said the enforcement applies to all types of rice, including Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) rice, as well as premium and medium-grade varieties.

“All types of rice have their respective HET levels and regulations that must be followed,” he said.

The monitoring effort involves the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimsus) at the provincial level, the Ministry of Trade, and the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said his team, together with Bulog, would conduct direct monitoring in traditional and modern markets.

“We will monitor in real time which areas exceed the HET and take steps ranging from warnings and administrative sanctions to law enforcement,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian said that as of October 20, 2025, rice prices in 59 out of 514 regencies and cities had exceeded the HET.

According to data from the National Food Agency’s Price Panel as of October 19, 2025, the average national SPHP rice price at the consumer level stood at Rp12,531 ($0.81) per kilogram, slightly above the national HET of Rp12,500 ($0.81).

Published Date: October 20, 2025