RNI Awaits Import Approval Of 250 Thousand Tons Of Sugar

JAKARTA - PT Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia (Persero) is proposing to import raw sugar from the government. However, the import permit will only be issued after the government holds a limited coordination meeting (Rakortas).

RNI President Director Eko Taufik Wibowo said the plan to import sugar was carried out in anticipation of a surge in demand ahead of Eid. The raw sugar is expected to enter Indonesia from early April 2020.

"We (applied for an import license for raw sugar) of around 250 thousand tons. But for one year. The issue is how much to give, we leave it to the government," he said, when met at the Office of the Ministry of BUMN, Gambir, Central Jakarta, Friday, March 6.

Eko explained, currently PT RNI still has raw sugar stocks for the beginning of the fast. However, imports are still needed to anticipate surging demand.

"Usually when fasting there is a high demand fluctuation. So to anticipate this, RNI and Bulog proposed imports. Since we are BUMNs, we must be responsible for market operations, these needs must be met," he said.

According to the plan, the raw sugar supply will be imported from India. Moreover, the quality of raw sugar from India is also not a problem. "I am with (sugar imports) from India, because there is an interest in this exchange as well. Because we also depend on the exchange of palm oil exports and others," he explained.

Despite applying for an import permit, Eko confirmed that currently the availability of sugar stocks is still safe. Unfortunately, Eko is reluctant to mention how much sugar stock belongs to RNI.

"So there's no need to panic because there is sugar. RNI stocks are still good for market operation reserves, but I can't say the numbers, because later it will be excited," he said.