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)