Semarang port bans imported sugar

Semarang port bans imported sugar

SEMARANG: The Tanjung Emas port is closed to imported sugar
and raw sugar, Central Java Governor Mardiyanto said here on
Wednesday.

Mardiyanto told reporters that a letter banning the entrance
of imported sugar and raw sugar had been issued, the copies of
which had been sent to the minister of industry and trade and the
minister of finance.

"We urge the government not issue permits to importers
intending to ship sugar and raw sugar from abroad," Mardiyanto
said.

He said the ban would create a market balance between local
and imported sugar. "The province now has more than 254,683,000
tons of sugar in stock while the monthly need is only 29,000
tons. Therefore the province needs no more sugar within nine
months."

The governor said he also asked the government to increase the
25 percent in import duty for sugar to 80 percent.

"The increase in import duty is expected to enhance the
sugarcane farmers and sugar factories to improve their
production," he said.

Chairman of the provincial chambers of commerce and industry
Soendoro welcomed the governor's decision with skepticism. "We
are not sure if the policy can be well implemented." (har/sur)