Minister Of Trade Wants To Import, Commission IV Of House Of Representatives Questions Rice Stocks From Minister Of Agriculture
JAKARTA - Chairman of Commission IV of the House of Representative, Sudin, regretted the statement of the Minister of Trade Muhammad Lutfi who denied importing rice. However, in an interview in the media, Sudin said that the Minister of Trade seemed to have made imports of rice a matter of time.
Sudin also regretted the alleged rice import agreement between the Minister of Trade and importing countries related to the plan that was still rejected.
"What is unfortunate at that time in a working meeting I reminded you that before the end of the month there was an MoU between the Indonesian government and the importing country. In fact, there is an MoU," said Sudin opening a working meeting with the Minister of Agriculture at the House of Representative's building, Monday, March 29.
Because of that, the PDIP politician questioned the Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo regarding rice stocks in Indonesia. Including the remaining stock from last year.
"So the Minister of Agriculture, I ask how much is the amount of rice production in 2020, what is the people's needs, how much will be achieved in 2021 and how much Indonesian people will consume. There, we can find out whether the surplus or deficit is. If it is a deficit, go ahead," explained the Sub-dept.
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The Sub-dept said that all parties refused to import rice because there were still many rice reserves remaining in Logistic Affairs Agency (Bulog). If it continues to be imported, it is worried that more rice will not be optimized.
"I see all observers, both regional heads, House of Representative members, and observers speaking on television refuse. The most important thing is if Bulog absorbs the people's rice grains, what do you want to do? Want to save it?" he said sarcastically.
"There are 106 thousand tons which are no longer suitable for consumption and 170 thousand tons will no longer be suitable for consumption in Bulog's warehouse. And about 20 thousand tons have been destroyed. If this is later, it is said that, for example, there will be imports in July, I don't know what to do with it. So don't tell them to do it. Bulog absorbs farmers then told Government to import I don't know what will happen later," continued Sudin.