Jakarta, May 22 -- The government has strengthened supervision over rice distribution to maintain price stability, protect consumers and farmers, and crack down on practices that disrupt national food security.

Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said the government is addressing various irregularities in the food sector, including alleged food mafia practices that affect consumer prices.

"President Prabowo is addressing the irregularities occurring in this republic, including in the agricultural sector," Sulaiman said in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, stricter supervision is necessary as the national rice supply remains secure, with government rice reserves managed by ...