Rice imports going through Tanjung Priok totals 305,193 tons

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)