Military cracks down on hoarding

BANDAR LAMPUNG: Military authorities here have deployed its personnel to watch over individuals who hoard basic commodities for their own interests, Antara reported yesterday.

Military chief Col. C. Simbolon said his office would crack down on individuals who rake a personal profit from other people's suffering.

He said the military would strictly monitor each "market operation", referring to government-sponsored markets where basic commodities are being sold at a "normal" price.

"We've observed some individuals who asked other people to buy the goods at the market operation for them," Simbolon said.

The basic daily commodities sold through the market operation are limited to sugar and rice, the news agency reported.

However, starting today, cooking oil will also be sold at the market, at Rp 3,000 per kilogram, about Rp 1,500 cheaper than regular market prices.

The rice stock here, according to Antara, will be sufficient for the next three months, with 38,000 tons in the local logistic agency's storehouse. (aan)