InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The Ministry of Trade has confirmed that it will withdraw all non-compliant MINYAKITA cooking oil products from the market. This action is part of law enforcement against violations of packaging and product content standards.
Director General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order, Moga Simatupang, stated in a press conference alongside the Directorate of Economic and Special Crimes of Bareskrim Polri that the government will take firm action against producers who violate regulations. “According to the Minister of Trade Regulation No. 18 of 2024 concerning Packaged Palm Oil and the Management of People's Cooking Oil, any violation will incur sanctions, including product withdrawals from distribution,” Moga said in an official statement to InfoSAWIT on Wednesday (March 12).
The product withdrawal will be conducted in stages. Violating producers will receive two written warnings with a seven-working-day period for each warning. If the warnings are ignored, the government will take further action, including temporary sales suspensions, warehouse closures, and even business license revocations.
In addition to violating trade regulations, manipulation of product content and size also contravenes Law No. 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection. Offenders can face criminal penalties of up to five years in prison or fines of up to Rp 2 billion. “This law provides certainty and legal protection for consumers. If the received product does not meet standards, consumers have the right to request replacements or refunds,” Moga added.
During the same occasion, Brigadier General Pol. Helfi Assegaf, Director of Economic and Special Crimes at Bareskrim Polri, revealed fraudulent practices in the distribution of MINYAKITA oil produced by PT Arya Rasa Nabati. One suspect has been detained, namely the factory head who also serves as the branch head of the company.
According to the investigation, in addition to not meeting packaging information, the cooking oil was also sold above the highest retail price (HET) set by the Ministry of Trade, which is Rp 15,700 per liter. “We are continuing to develop this case and do not rule out the possibility of other suspects being involved in these fraudulent practices,” Helfi asserted.
This firm action is expected to deter businesses that do not comply with regulations and protect consumer rights from detrimental trading practices. (T2)
