Bulog Ready To Stabilize Prices With Additional Import Assignments

JAKARTA - Perum Bulog Awaludin Corporate Secretary Iqbal ensured that Bulog was ready to receive an additional quota of import assignments from the government to strengthen the government's Rice Reserve (CBP) to stabilize rice prices in the market.

"The government has indeed provided an additional quota of import assignments to Perum Bulog of 1.5 million tons, but its implementation will be adjusted to domestic distribution needs," Iqbal said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, October 11.

The government's current focus, he said, is to maintain the stability of rice prices in the community.

Therefore, Bulog will carry out the assignment optimally for the benefit of the people, especially in the midst of the current situation ahead of the planting season.

Iqbal also added that regarding the issue of the origin of import countries, Bulog would carry out the assignment of importing rice from which countries would allow and meet all requirements standards.

"For the country of origin, this import can come from anywhere, it is not only one country, so there can be many countries like the previous assignment. We are looking for which countries still have a lot of production and meet the standard requirements," he said.

In addition, Iqbal said that his party is always monitoring intensively regarding the current price of rice.

He emphasized that the increase in rice prices was due to several factors, both external and internal in the country, such as the El Nino disaster and also the domestic situation ahead of the planting season.

"People don't worry, the government through Bulog guarantees that rice needs are available in the community at affordable prices even though on the market there is a slight price increase. We carry out continuous monitoring in the midst of the current situation so that it remains under control," said Iqbal.

Bulog has poured rice market operations or Stabilization of Food Supply and Prices (SPHP) throughout Indonesia with a total of 818,000 tons, and this activity also continues to be disbursed until the price is stable.

Not only that, Bulog also distributed food aid rice for September, October, and November with a total of 641,000 tons to underprivileged communities throughout Indonesia.