Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Monday in Tegal Central Java, commented on the rice import decisions made by the Indonesian Ministry of Trade. After reviewing the implementation of cash-for-work program at Dukuh Lor, Lebaksiu Sub-district, Tegal regency, on Monday, January 15th the President said the rice import plan is intended to strengthen domestic rice reserves while anticipating regional rice price fluctuations.
"That is to strengthen our rice reserves, so there will be no price fluctuations in some regions," President Joko Widodo said.
Earlier Indonesian Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita announced plans to import 500 thousand tons of government rice from Vietnam. In a press statement, Enggartiasto explained that the rice to be imported is a special kind of rice or premium rice. Meanwhile, Head of the Agricultural Human Resources Development and Development Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Momon Rusmono, said the rice imported by the Ministry of Trade is categorized into special rice, aimed primarily at health, hotels, restaurants and catering. In the sale of such rice will not be traded to the public. (Ndy trans by Rezha)