Jakarta. The Indonesian government has seized 250 tons of rice from a warehouse in Sabang, Aceh, after determining the shipment entered the country illegally, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said on Sunday.

Indonesia has banned rice imports this year after confirming that domestic production and national stocks are sufficient under the government’s food self-sufficiency program.

Andi said he received a report on November 16 regarding the suspected illegal warehouse. Following an investigation, authorities sealed the facility at Sabang Port and seized the rice stored inside.

“A total of 250 tons of rice entered without authorization from the central government, and we have sealed the warehouse,” Andi said during a press conference at his residence in South Jakarta.

He stressed that national rice stocks remain well above required levels through the end of the year, adding that the government has not imported rice for the past two years due to adequate domestic supply.

“Our rice stock is high, yet rice was still brought in without permission. That is a violation,” Andi said.

He noted that the act also contradicts the directive of President Prabowo Subianto, who has issued a strict ban on rice imports from any country.

“The President has made it clear that no imports are allowed because our stocks are abundant. Everyone -- especially officials -- must comply,” he stated.

According to Andi, the Agriculture Ministry is working with the police to trace those responsible for the shipment. The confiscated 250 tons of rice will be subject to a court decision to determine whether the goods will be destroyed or handled in another manner.

“The warehouse storing the illegal rice belongs to a private company, Multazam Sabang Group,” he said.

The rice was imported from Thailand and entered through the Sabang free trade zone (FTZ).

“We will investigate who attempted to bypass the import restrictions. If one of my director generals authorized it, today will be their last day in office,” Andi warned.

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