REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Government expects Bulog (National Food Logistic) can participate in commodity trade in other countries. Bulog will expand the trading cooperation with other countries through its planned subsidiary.

“I ask the Minister of Agriculture to visit Myanmar and Cambodia to cooperate in agriculture sector,” the Coordinating Minister of Economy, Hatta Rajasa, said on Wednesday.

The visit is expected to open the business opportunity for Bulog. Moreover, both countries have invited Indonesia to develop some business in agriculture sector, such as rice mill, seeding, and agricultural technology.

Bulog later will open the office in both countries to expand its international network. “But it does not mean we purchase foreign rice for rice procurement,” he said.

Rajasa also asks Bulog to absorb farmer’s rice using new Government Purchase Price (HPP). He perceives the average price of food commodity is decreased in about one percent.

The Minister of Agriculture, Suswono, expected the price of rice would decrease until May. It is seen from the reports from several provinces. “Even if the price increases, it will not be more than five percent,” Suswono said.

The data taken from the Ministry of Trade says price of rice in eight cities has decreased from early March until March 13. The price also decreases one percent nationally. The price was 8,135 IDR per kilograms in early March and now become 8,119 IDR per kilogram. 

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