REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhasan), has reminded the government not to import rice before the harvest time. He is concerned it may cause the price of rice to drop during the harvest season. "The decision to import rice before the harvest time creates injustice, because it will harm local farmers," Zulhasan stated at the Parliament Building in Jakarta on Thursday.

He called on President Joko Widodo to prevent rice imports ahead of the harvest period. He said it would be detrimental to local farmers, whose incomes are already limited.

According to him, if rice imports are done before the harvest, then the rice stock will increase sharply. This will result in drastic drop in rice price, resulting in loss for local farmers.

"I appeal to the president to avoid any incidental policies that could disrupt the main policy of the government," he noted.

Also read: Amran boasts rice self sufficiency amid import controversy

On the occasion, he also reminded the government to be careful while making decisions about the provision of rice stock. According to him, although the government is trying to reduce increase in rice price, it still can create new problems by importing rice.

Zulhasan pointed out that even if the government is forced to import, the rice should not be stored directly in Indonesia but in the country of origin, until the very precise time to bring it to Indonesia.

"This is in order to prevent farmers, who are in the harvest time, from being affected by the drop in rice prices," he pointed out.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika