Rice import duty may rise

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Agriculture M. Prakosa said here on Wednesday the government would soon increase rice import tariff from 30 percent now to between 45 and 50 percent to protect local farmers who are now enjoying good harvests.

"My ministry has recommended that the rice import duty be increased to 45-50 percent in a bid to curb rice imports," Prakosa told reporters.

He admitted that based on the government's Letter of Intent to the International Monetary Fund Indonesia could review the rice import duty only in August.

But the condition now is quite urgent for an immediate review, he added.