Governor promises rice supply safe

JAKARTA: The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) may not increase national rice stocks, but the people of Jakarta have no reason to worry about rice shortages, Governor Sutiyoso said on Wednesday.

"In its history, Jakarta has never been short of rice. We have always found a way to meet demand," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

The head of Bulog in Jakarta, Rito Angky, said earlier the city's rice stocks stood at 3,474 tons, far below the 10,000 tons that is generally considered safe. Stocks are expected to dwindle even further in January and February.

The governor, however, promised that stock would be replenished.

"It is absurd to think we will just do nothing, so people should not be concerned by this. We will resolve the problem before there is a rice crisis." --JP