TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) responded to the suspicions of “cartel-like activities” in the import of soybean by the State Logistics Agency (Bulog). KPPU Chairman M. Afif Hasbullah said he would review the regulations on the soybean trading system.

"We'll look into what the regulations are like regarding the import," he said when met at Tjikini Lima, Central Jakarta on Thursday, Dec. 1.

He was very careful in responding to soybean imports’ cartel allegation, saying that an investigation will be taken once the commission studies the regulation regarding imports.

Although he promised to investigate the cartel allegations, Afif was reluctant to comment on the three well-established companies mentioned by Bulog President Director Budi Waseso as importers controlling the domestic soybean trade.

He also did not want to confirm whether KPPU would summon the three companies. "We will announce any further information. I think everything will still be our concern," said Afif.

Rumors about alleged cartels first emerged during a House hearing session between legislators and the National Food Agency (Bapanas) on November 16. At the time, the House's Commission IV legislator Sudin questioned whether Bulog not directly purchases soybean from suppliers but rather from import firm giants. It was confirmed to be true that there are indeed three major companies.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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