Jakarta, Aug. 1 -- The National Police's food task force has advised the public against panic buying amid widespread reports of poor quality rice circulating in the market.

"We urge the public not to panic buy," head of the task force, Brigadier General Helfi Assegaf, said here on Friday.

He noted that there have even been reports suggesting rice shortages.

In response, the task force's members across Indonesia are coordinating with the Indonesian Retail Entrepreneurs Association ( Asprindo ), modern retailers, and traditional and modern markets to ensure that rice stocks for the community remain stable and meet quality standards.

"Products that may have already been produced with incorrect composition can still be sold, but must be p...