Rice imports going through Tanjung Priok totals 305,193 tons

JAKARTA (JP): Rice imports going through Tanjung Priok Seaport, the country's largest port, totaled 305,193 tons last year, according to the port authority.

The spokesman for PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II, Sudjarwo, said there were 20 vessels currently unloading imported rice.

He said 21 more vessels would arrive in the port between January and February to supply the main staple food for the Moslem fasting month and Idul Fitri.

Indonesia is expected to import between 1.5 million and 2 million tons of rice this year to cover a shortfall caused by the adverse effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon.

Planting of the main rice crop, which accounts for 50 percent to 60 percent of total annual production, was delayed in October and November because of the drought.

"We have given priority to vessels carrying strategic commodities, including rice, sugar, corn, soybeans and cement," Sudjarwo said.

Last year, 42 vessels brought in 459,309 tons of sugar and 15 vessels brought in 266,316 tons of soybeans.

The port also unloaded 422,993 tons of feed, mostly from India, and 245,290 tons of corn.

Sudjarwo said the port provided computerized services to monitor incoming vessels carrying the strategic commodities to expedite the unloading process. (rid)