REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BOGOR -- A total of 227 thousand tons of imported rice from Vietnam had entered Indonesia. The imported rice was to ensure a safe supply of domestic rice.
"Imported rice is done gradually, depend on loading capacity, readiness and unloading ships," said Director of Bulog Djarot Kusumayakti, Saturday (28/11).
He stated, the average ports in Indonesian islands, such as Bitung and Sorong, provide small ships. Only some ports that have large ships, such as Belawan, Batam and Surabaya.
Large ships could carry 40 thousand tons of rice and small ships could carry 4 to 5 thousand tons of rice. There were currently 500 ships that are ready to transport.
Djarot revealed, the rice imports were originally from 'panic buying'. In 1998, people who usually bought ten kilograms of rice, have changed to buy one quintal.
"Everyone wants to prepare rice supply in their kitchen," he added.
Moreover, in 1998 the national rice production was not affected by El Nino, but people began to show their fear. Then, rice price rose and the government finally imported rice.
Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika
