Lab Tests Underway to Check Alleged Plastic Rice: President Jokowi

Solo (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said laboratory tests are currently being conducted to check alleged fake rice made of plastic.

"That rice is currently being tested in three laboratories, including the one in the Bogor Institute of Agriculture and general labs. We should wait for the results," President Jokowi said here (May 24).

He said it would be illogical if the spread of plastic rice is to make profit because its price is more expensive than the real rice.

"We are still studying this issue. Dont make any comment if it does not provide solution," he stated.

It was earlier reported that the police sector in Bantargebang shuttered a shop in Mutiara Gading Market in Mustikajaya, Bekasi, West Java, on Tuesday for selling rice mixed with plastic rice.

In the meantime, National Police Chief General Badroddin Haiti said the police will wait for the results of the laboratory test conducted by the Food and Drug Agency (BPOM) in the case of the distribution of plastic rice.

"Investigation will wait for the results of the BPOM test," he stated here on Saturday.

If the case is confirmed, he added, the police will probe where the rice originated from.

"If it is confirmed, we will investigate and find out where it came from, whether it was from home or abroad," Haiti affirmed, adding that the Jakarta police has already questioned several witnesses over the case. (WDY)