Prabowo Criticises Countries Seeking Discounts on Indonesian Rice Purchases

President Prabowo Subianto revealed that several countries have requested discounts when purchasing rice from Indonesia.

This was conveyed by Prabowo during the inauguration of the operationalisation of 1,601 Merah Putih Cooperatives in Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday (16/5).

Prabowo stated that Indonesia is one of the countries with adequate food supplies, while other countries are experiencing food crises. As a result, he said, many countries are now interested in buying rice from Indonesia.

“We are already secure in terms of food, whatever crisis occurs outside our country, we are relatively more secure and better prepared to face challenges. Now, many countries want to buy rice from us, our neighbours, those who consider themselves superior to us, but now they have to come to Indonesia and ask if they can buy,” Prabowo said.

Furthermore, Prabowo added, India has announced that it will stop exporting rice, corn, and wheat, followed by Bangladesh. As a result, many countries are now interested in buying rice from Indonesia.

“Finally, some countries have also come to us, and I said, give it to them, if they need it, we must help, we will sell to them,” he said.

However, Prabowo reminded that the export price of rice should not be too low and harm farmers. Prabowo then alluded to the fact that some countries are asking for discounts on rice exports from Indonesia.

“But the price should be reasonable, so that our farmers are not harmed, right? The price must at least be profitable, Mr. Amran (Minister of Agriculture), Mr. Director General of Bulog, don’t sell too cheaply, don’t undercut, but don’t sell too cheaply either, remember that the crisis could last a long time, the main thing is to secure our people first,” Prabowo said.

“So, there are also those who want to buy rice and then ask for a discount, a big discount, this is the global crisis,” he added.

(dis/dal)