Rice for poor sold at higher rate

BANYUASIN, South Sumatra: The price of rice for the poor residents of Banyuasin regency has skyrocketed in the past few days, bringing misery to local residents.

Ida, 28, a Banyuasin resident, complained on Thursday that she used to buy rice for Rp 1,000 per kilogram at an appointed outlet, but now has to pay Rp 1,500 to Rp 2,000 per kilogram.

Responding to complaints, a Banyuasin government official said the regental government would try to determine whether there was any irregularities in the sale of rice for the poor.

"We will conduct random inspections and report our findings to Banyuasin Regent Amiruddin Inoed," said Ganda Yuni, chief of the local Economy, People's Welfare and Women's Empowerment Office. -- JP