REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Agriculture Ministry's Quarantine Agency (Barantan) declared imported garlic seeds originated from China has been infested by nematode. The commodity arrived in Tanjung Priok port, North Jakarta on February 17 and unloaded on February 25. It entered Indonesia territory using phytosanitary certificate from China.

According to the document, there were 232 thousands kilogram or 13,050 bags of garlic seeds. The Central Tanjung Priok Quarantine Agency allowed the commodity to be transferred to the importer's warehouse during quarantine period.

Samples of the garlic seeds were sent to be diagnosed by local authority on February 27. From the test, it was known that the garlic seeds were Nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci-infested. "The pest could harm onion and ornamental plants," said Barantan head Banun Harpini on Monday (March 12) night. 

On March 7, agricultural quarantine officers conducted verification visit to the warehouse. The owner, PT TSR, claimed the garlic seeds have been sent to other warehouse in North Sumatra. The garlic seeds to be planted in Karo area.

"The owner violates quarantine regulation. Imported garlic could not be transferred before owning certificate of release. Moreover, the test result showed Chinese garlic seeds is a dangerous pests," Banun said.

Previously, Trade Minister withdrew 5 ton of garlic seeds sold at Kramat Jati market, East Jakarta. It has been kept at North Jakarta distribution warehouse to be secured and further tested.

The Trade Ministry's Director of Consumer Protection and Trade Compliance Veri Anggriono said there were 300 ton or eight container garlic seeds spread around Jakarta, East Java and North Sumatra. "I will travel to Medan to investigate the case," he said on Monday afternoon.