Susilo defends rice import policy

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