InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Ramadan 2025 has just begun, and the public's demand for cooking oil is increasing. Amid this situation, the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) through the Directorate General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order (Ditjen PKTN) continues to intensify oversight of MINYAKITA distribution to maintain supply and price stability. From monitoring conducted since November 2024 until March 12, 2025, 316 businesses across 23 provinces have been inspected, with 66 found to be in violation.

Director General of PKTN, Moga Simatupang, emphasized that the government will not tolerate deviations in MINYAKITA distribution. “From the monitoring results, 66 businesses at the distributor and retailer levels were found to have violated regulations and have been sanctioned according to the applicable laws,” said Moga in a written statement quoted by InfoSAWIT on Tuesday (March 18, 2025).

During the investigation, several modes of violations were found that directly impacted consumers. These include selling MINYAKITA at prices above the Domestic Price Obligation (DPO) and the highest retail price (HET). Additionally, some businesses were caught selling MINYAKITA between retailers instead of directly to end consumers, causing prices in the market to spike due to a longer distribution chain.

Furthermore, there were violations related to the absence of sales restrictions by retailers, leading to uneven distribution of MINYAKITA. Some businesses were also found operating without a Warehouse Registration Certificate (TDG) and appropriate Indonesian Business Classification (KBLI), as well as failing to provide data and information to monitoring officials. In some cases, businesses were found repackaging MINYAKITA with volumes smaller than those indicated on the packaging label.

Kemendag is taking action. In accordance with Government Regulation (PP) Number 29 of 2021 concerning Trade Administration and Minister of Trade Regulation Number 18 of 2024 regarding Packaged Palm Oil and the Management of People's Cooking Oil, producers and repackers found in violation will face further sanctions. After a written warning, they are required to withdraw their products from the market. If violations persist, sanctions may escalate to temporary business activity cessation, warehouse closure, and recommendations for business license revocation.

Meanwhile, based on Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection, every business actor is required to sell products with net weight, size, or measures that correspond to the label. If violated, they may face criminal penalties with a maximum prison sentence of five years or fines of up to IDR 2 billion.

On the other hand, to ensure stable supply during Ramadan and leading up to Eid al-Fitr 2025, Kemendag has requested producers to double the supply of MINYAKITA. This request is outlined in the letter from the Director General of Domestic Trade Number BP.00.01/83/PDN/SD/02/2025 dated February 28, 2025. This step is expected to maintain the stability of supply and prices of essential goods amid rising public demand during the holy month.

To ensure compliance in the field, Kemendag has also conducted post-market oversight by inspecting 88 producers and repackers in 168 districts/cities. From these inspections, 40 producers/repackers were found selling products with volumes that did not match the packaging labels. They are now subject to administrative sanctions and required to make corrections under direct supervision from local governments to prevent shortages.

Moga Simatupang emphasized that Kemendag will not act alone in enforcing regulations. “We, along with the Food Task Force of the National Police, will continue to enhance oversight of producers, distributors, and retailers to ensure smooth distribution, stock availability, and compliance with MINYAKITA's HET according to the applicable regulations,” he said.

Furthermore, for violations that may fall into the criminal realm, Kemendag will collaborate with the Food Task Force of the National Police to follow up on legal processes. With these firm measures, it is hoped that MINYAKITA distribution can run smoothly and the public can continue to access cooking oil at affordable prices during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2025. (T2)