Regarding Bulog Will Import 1 Million Tons Of Rice From China, Minister Of SOEs: Depending On Domestic Conditions

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN), Erick Thohir said rice imports would depend on production conditions at the farmer level. He said, if domestic production improves, rice imports will not be carried out.

As is known, Perum Bulog will import 1 million tons of rice from China. This import plan, as a follow-up to President Joko Widodo's (Jokowi) work contract with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding rice supply to Indonesia.

"It depends, if domestic production is good, we will not import it," said Erick after reviewing rice market operations at the Cipinang Rice Main Market (PIBC), East Jakarta, Wednesday, October 4.

However, said Erick, it is estimated that rice production in December this year will decline. He said this could happen because of the rice production cycle.

Moreover, continued Erick, the El Nino phenomenon also causes a very hot domestic weather level. This has an impact on domestic rice production.

"But the data saw a decline in December, always that, the cycle always decreases. Especially if we look at the current hot temperature, yes, in Southeast Asia it's 35, in India, Pakistan it's 40," he said.

In anticipation of this natural phenomenon, continued Erick, the government proposed several alternative options, one of which was the import of 1 million tons of rice from the Bamboo Curtain Country.

"What we have to anticipate is that production continues to be encouraged, but we also continue to encourage rice prices not to continue to soar, we are looking for solutions, cooperation, not talking about no solution, the President ensures that there must be a solution, that's what we encourage," he said.

For your information, Bulog has not received an assignment from the government to bring back 1 million tons of rice from China. Bulog is currently still carrying out its duties to bring in 2 million tons of rice this year.