Susilo defends rice import policy

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono defended on Friday the government's rice import policy, appealing to the public to understand that it was a move to prevent supply shortages.

"Please understand that the importation of rice will not be distributed on the market under normal conditions. It is so that we'll be prepared for any shortage or natural disaster which could disrupt the supplies, and for poor people," said Susilo in a ceremony.

The Ministry of Trade issued in October a decision that gives the state's commodity regulator, PT Bulog the authority to import 250,000 tons of rice from Vietnam from November to January.

"Let's not misunderstand the policy. It is for our food safety and it is used only for our stocks. The government is responsible to ensure that the country has enough supply of rice," said Susilo.

The plan has sparked protests from some farmers and some legislators, who urged the government to cancel the plan because it could lower the prices of rice throughout the country, which could then lower the profitability of the farmers and other agribusiness groups. -- JP