Minister Of Agriculture Amran Dismantles The Cause Of Imports Of 250 Tons Of Rice Entering The Republic Of Indonesia

Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman. (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman revealed the cause of the entry of 250 tons of rice imports in Sabang. He said, Sabang has a Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

Amran emphasized that the imports carried out must be in line with the policies of the central government. Moreover, said Amran, President Prabowo Subianto has also determined that Indonesia will no longer import rice.

"So, there is the Sabang area. There is a regulation, one of the market regulations is the Free Trade Zone. But it must be considered, it should not conflict with central policies. Meanwhile, the President has said that he has been self-sufficient this year, not imported. Stock is more than sufficient," he said at the DPR Building, Jakarta, Monday, November 24.

Furthermore, Amran estimates that this mode of importation is carried out in order to seek profit only because the current price of world rice has dropped significantly.

"The goal is to make a profit. Why are you looking for profit? Because abroad the price fell again, used to be 650 US dollars per ton, now 340 US dollars per ton, almost half," said Amran.

"Why? Because Indonesia is not imported. So, Indonesia makes the price of other countries cheap. Why? Our imports are two consecutive years 7 million tons," he continued.

In fact, Amran revealed, currently many countries are negotiating with the government to add rice to Indonesia.

"In fact, we are in the lobby to accept imports from neighboring countries. Including him conveying it to the President. But we are determined to be self-sufficient in rice," he said.

Previously, the Government moved quickly to take action against the entry of 250 tons of illegal rice through the Sabang area, Aceh. Hundreds of tons of rice were sealed as soon as the report was received on Sunday, November 23.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said the initial findings showed that the rice was imported rice which entered illegally and clearly contradicted President Prabowo Subianto's direction.

The President, continued Amran, has emphasized that Indonesia does not need rice imports, considering that national stock is in the best condition.

Following up on the report, Amran immediately coordinated with the Aceh Police Chief, the Police Criminal Investigation Unit, the Military Commander and the Minister of Trade.

Hasil verifikasi memastikan bahwa tidak ada izin impor yang diberikan pemerintah.

Dengan dasar tersebut, aparat langsung menyegel dan menghentikan seluruh aktivitas distribusi beras ilegal tersebut.

Pemerintah juga melakukan penelusuran terhadap pihak yang diduga terlibat, termasuk salah satu perusahaan yang beroperasi di Sabang.

“Kami tegaskan bahwa beras tersebut telah disegel dan kami minta aparat untuk menelusuri siapa saja pelaku yang terlibat. Kami menemukan beberapa hal yang janggal. Kami juga tegaskan bahwa stok beras Indonesia cukup, bahkan lebih dari cukup. Perkiraan stok hingga akhir tahun menunjukkan bahwa kita berada pada posisi tertinggi,” katanya dalam keterangan resmi, Senin, 24 November.

Verification results ensure that no import permits are granted by the government.

On this basis, the authorities immediately sealed and stopped all illegal rice distribution activities.

The government is also investigating parties suspected of being involved, including one of the companies operating in Sabang.

"We emphasize that the rice has been sealed and we ask the authorities to investigate who the perpetrators are involved in. We found several things that were odd. We also emphasize that Indonesia's rice stock is sufficient, even more than sufficient. The estimated stock until the end of the year shows that we are at the highest position," he said in an official statement, Monday, November 24.