Soeharto says supply of rice is sufficient

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto assured the nation yesterday that rice stocks will be more than enough over Christmas, New Year and the Islamic holy month Ramadhan.

The President said he has ordered the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) to conduct massive market operations to ensure the best possible procurement and distribution of rice, and to prevent price hikes so that people can enjoy the festivities.

"People do not need to worry about rice supplies ahead of those important days... because the stocks at Bulog are enough," Soeharto told journalists after making an unexpected visit to two major rice depots in North and East Jakarta.

But he urged people not to be choosy in their rice consumption during the festive seasons.

"I appeal to the middle and lower class community not to follow those (rich people) who prefer to buy high grain rice as it gets them into trouble," he said.

Soeharto left his residence on Jl. Cendana, in Central Jakarta at 7.30 a.m. He was accompanied by Minister of Social Services Endang Kusuma Inten Suweno, Bulog chairman Beddu Amang, and Secretary of Development Operations (Sesdalopbang) Lt. Gen. AM Hendropriyono.

The President first visited Bulog's depot for Greater Jakarta in Sunter, North Jakarta. He was received by its deputy head Saean Ahmadi who told him that his office has about 194,000 tons of rice.

"Why did rice prices rise?" Soeharto asked Saean.

The official said that rice supplies from the regions have sharply declined in the last few months.

"Of course, the harvest season is almost over. It is therefore nearly impossible to expect more rice supplies from them now," Soeharto said.

When Soeharto asked him how the agency controls the rice price, Saean replied: "We employ one supervisor at each market in Jakarta".

Soeharto said it was virtually impossible for one supervisor to control a market.

"If necessary, ask the police... to supervise rice traders," Soeharto told Saean.

Soeharto and his entourage also visited Cipinang's wholesale rice market in East Jakarta.

Wearing a wide hat and carrying a stick, Soeharto inspected the market and chatted with local traders.

"Why are rice prices up?" he asked a truck driver responsible for transporting the produce.

"I don't know. I was just told the price in Bandung (where the rice came from)," said the driver.

'Tiwul' meal

After the short tour, Soeharto returned to his residence. He invited journalists to share a tiwul meal, made from cassava.

The Dharmais foundation, which Soeharto chairs, has sent 10 tons of gogik, or cassava flour, to Wamena, Jayawijaya regency in Irian Jaya.

"It is not right to send them rice because they are not used to consuming it," Soeharto said.

More than 600 people from three regencies in the province have died, including 430 deaths in Jayawijaya from malnutrition and drought-related illness this year.

Beddu earlier said that the government would not import rice this year as the country's rice supply was adequate. He also contended that prices would rise slightly.

"We have prepared one million tons for the market operation to stabilize prices for the 1997/1998 fiscal year," Beddu said after meeting with the President last month.

Reuters reported last month that Indonesia has bought 300,000 tons of Thai rice for nearby shipment with loading underway.

Although the purchase has not been officially confirmed, State Minister of Food Ibrahim Hasan said here yesterday the government's decision to import rice was "normal" considering the shortage of stocks.

He also said some countries still owe Indonesia rice.

"The amount is not much, but it would be helpful," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

He declined to say whether Indonesia has imported rice or only planned to.

Officials have said that the drought, believed to be the worst in 50 years, would reduce the country's rice production from 51 million tons last year to 49.1 million tons this year. (prb)