VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

 

Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita said that the imported rice is a buffer stock or extra stock to reduce the risk of shortages. On Tuesday, February 27, in his working visit in Indramayu minister Enggartiasto Lukita confirmed that the imported rice would not enter the market. He also ensured, that farmers do not have to worry on the harvest. The harvest will not be merged since there is available the imported rice. The National Logistic Agency (BULOG) has committed to buy the harvest products both rice and grain in accordance with the existing provision. He assured, with the policy of rice import, farmers will not be harmed and the harvest is definitely absorbed by BULOG. 

 

"So, once again we make sure that we use imported rice for our food stock, and do not worry because we will hold market operations as it has been conducted before. Weve set the highest retail price to  all rice traders in traditional market," Minister Enggartiasto said. 

 

Minister Enggartiasto Lukita further explained that in an effort to ensure the governments policy not to distribute the imported rice to the rice producing area, he visited Indramayu and Cirebon. During the visit, Minister Enggartiasto reviewed several Bulog warehouses namely Bulog Warehouse of Jakarta and Banten, Tegal Girang Warehouse and Singakerta Warehouse of Indramayu Regional Division. In Singakerta warehouse, the remaining rice stock of 93 tons, from the total capacity of 21,500 tons. The Minister also visited some other traditional markets to check the price of basic needs. (VOI/Sekar/NT)