RI not to import rice

JAKARTA (JP): State Logistics Agency (Bulog) head Beddu Amang said over the weekend Indonesia would not import rice this year despite a forecasted prolonged dry season.

"I doubt we'll import any rice this year, but we will of course keep the domestic rice stock and prices under control," Beddu said after chairing a special meeting of provincial Bulog chiefs on rice supply during the dry season.

Bulog has built up a rice stock of 1.84 million tons between January and now, about 60 percent more than in the corresponding period last year, Beddu said as quoted by Antara news agency Saturday.

He said the stock would continue to increase up to the end of the year "but at slower pace than it has so far".

He said Bulog's rice stock was the most it had in the last 10 years.

Existing stock is 3.2 million tons, enough to meet the public's needs for six months, he added.

"So there is no reason Bulog would lose control over rice prices," he said, adding that the agency was ready to fight any inappropriate hikes in rice prices.

Based on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, this year's rice production will reach 32.91 million tons, 0.92 percent less than last year. (icn)