Illegal Rice Imports Seized in Sabang Free Trade Zone

Authorities Confiscate 250 Tons of Unapproved Rice Imports

Indonesian authorities have successfully intercepted and sealed 250 tons of illegal rice imports in Sabang's Free Trade Zone. The rice shipment, suspected to originate from Thailand and Vietnam, was imported without proper clearance from the central government ³

Regulatory Conflict Between Local and Central Authorities

The seizure highlights the tension between Sabang's Free Trade Zone regulations and the central government's import policies. Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman explained that while Sabang operates under special FTZ regulations, these must not contradict national policies. President Prabowo Subianto had previously announced that Indonesia would achieve rice self-sufficiency and cease imports ²

Enforcement Actions and Future Implications

Director General of Customs Djaka Budhi Utama confirmed that the Customs office did not authorize the import and has taken enforcement action by sealing the shipment. The rice was stored in a private warehouse belonging to PT Multazam Sabang Group (MSG) before being confiscated ³

The incident demonstrates the challenges of managing special economic zones within national trade policies and highlights the need for better coordination between regional and central authorities. As Indonesia maintains its stance against rice imports, this case will likely lead to stricter monitoring of FTZ operations ¹