Bulog knows nothing about imported rice

Bulog knows nothing about imported rice

BOGOR (JP): State Logistics Agency (Bulog) chief Widjanarko
said on Tuesday that the agency knew nothing about the flood of
imported rice.

Speaking at a discussion at the Bogor Institute of
Agriculture, he said that all the importers were private
companies. "Rice imports have yet to be reported to Bulog."

He acknowledged that Indonesia currently needed more rice, but
importing rice is not the government's choice.

"Local rice production is still adequate," he stressed.

Widjanarko said that from January to March this year 260,000
tons of rice had been imported from Vietnam.

"However, the tax and excise office reported that only 160,000
tons of rice had been imported from Vietnam. This means the
importation of the remaining 100,000 tons was not reported to
Bulog."

He said that imported rice usually sold quickly in the
markets.

The uncontrolled importation of rice had made it difficult for
Bulog to maintain the price of unhusked rice.

Despite the fact that Bulog had never recommended that rice be
imported, Widjanarko did not say why Bulog could not put a stop
to the imports. (21/sur)