Drought-victim farmers get free rice

BOGOR: A total of 388 tons of rice will be distributed to about 20,000 farming families whose harvest has failed due to the four-month drought.

Assistant for development affairs with the Bogor regency administration Mochtar Rusli said on Monday that the rice aid was part of the central government's program to ease the impact of the drought.

"The rice will be distributed free via subdistrict officials," he said.

Mochtar said that the recipients live in 119 subdistricts spread through 15 districts of Jonggol, Cariu, Cileungsi, Sukamakmur, Klapanunggal, Leuwiliang, Cibungbulang, Pamijahan, Ciampea, Jasinga, Tenjo, Parung Panjang, Cigudeg, Nanggung and Sukajaya districts.

According to Asep Tajudin, head of the stock room of the Bogor Logistics Agency, the distribution of the free rice was taking place from Oct. 13 to Oct. 22.

He said that a total 6,372 tons of rice were being held in stock in a bid to anticipate increasing demand during the oncoming Islamic fasting month, the Idul Fitri holiday in November and Christmas.

"Should there be a scarcity of rice, the supply will be disbursed to residents in Bogor city, Bogor regency and Depok," Asep added.