Jakarta, June 3 -- Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman sought an investigation into an apparent rice pricing anomaly, characterized by rising prices despite the government having secured over four million tons of reserves-the highest level in 57 years.

According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), rice prices at both wholesale and retail levels rose in May 2025, reaching Rp13,735 (US$0.84) and Rp14,748 (US$0.90) per kilogram, respectively.

"We need to investigate this phenomenon. Why are prices rising at the retail level?" he remarked during a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Sulaiman highlighted that this price hike contradicts the declining trend at rice mills, which should have led to more favorable pr...