Habibie checks food prices in markets

Habibie checks food prices in markets

JAKARTA (JP): Ignoring the stench and market bustle, President
B.J. Habibie made his first ever visit to a traditional market in
Jatinegara and the Cipinang rice depot, both in East Jakarta,
yesterday.

Habibie talked casually with traders and asked them to tell
him their troubles.

He claimed that this was the only way for him to truly know
the market price of rice and its supply.

He described himself as a doctor, probing for the correct
prognosis.

"Like a patient who must frankly confide his aches to a
physician... you must tell me the real truth so the correct
prescription can be prescribed," he told traders.

A wholesaler went up and proposed Habibie order the State
Logistics Agency (Bulog) to increase the purchasing price of
unhusked rice from farmers to increase their income.

Habibie smilingly retorted: "But then it would not be the
farmers but you traders who would get more money."

Most traders told Habibie that the daily supply of goods was
enough, though prices continued to rise each day.

Economists have said the current Rp 1,000 per kg price of rice
is too low compared to imported rice prices which exceed Rp 3,000
per kg.

Security was lax throughout the visit. Even three-wheeled
bajaj taxis were free to move about.

The presidential security team sometimes lost Habibie in the
bustling market as his small frame moved quickly from one stall
to another in between large stacks of rice sacks.

Habibie was accompanied by Minister of Defense and
Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto, Minister/State
Secretary Akbar Tandjung, Minister of Industry and Trade Rahardi
Ramelan and Bulog chief Beddu Amang.

The group went to Jatinegara after staying about 30 minutes in
Cipinang. They all rode in the same van.

Wide-eyed, Habibie joyfully recounted his maiden visit to a
traditional market.

"Just now I saw my favorite salted fish. Actually I wanted to
buy it, but I felt ashamed because the trader might have refused
my money if I tried to pay," Habibie said after the visit.

Habibie, however, was confident he would eventually get the
fish. "I will tell ibu (his wife) that I want the fish and ask
her to buy it," Habibie cheekily remarked.

"I will turn 62 this month but I have never been to the
central market. Not because I don't care but I had other duties,
you know". (prb)