Rare Rice Mystery, Moeldoko Asks Modern Retail Distribution To Be Accelerated

Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko (Ist)

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko emphasized that rice problems in the country require quick and detailed handling. According to him, one of the problems lies in the distribution of rice in modern retail. According to Moeldoko, in some markets the price of rice is in a downward trend and the availability of sufficient stock. However, there are problems in the distribution and price of rice above the Highest Retail Price (HET) in modern retail. Moeldoko said the need for overall management of domestic food management, one of which is by relaxing the food task force. "Especially, to first fill areas with limited stock in modern retail," he said at the Coordination Meeting for Rice Price Control Efforts at the Bina Graha Building, Jakarta, Thursday, February 29. Moeldoko also reminded all parties to coordinate in resolving the current rice problem. In addition, Moeldoko also highlighted the queues of residents in Market Operations, where Bulog ran out of 5 kilograms (kg) of rice stock. This is due to the limited packaging of rice Stability of Market Price Supply (SPHP) in 5 kilograms (kg). "This distribution and packaging must be worked on quickly, so that there are no more queues," he said. “ Queue places must also be feasible, use all facilities. Local governments, police, Kodim all have to come down and think in more detail, don't go home and adjust real conditions on the ground, ” continued Moeldoko.

Regarding the problem of distributing imported rice, Moeldoko emphasized to Bulog to coordinate with Pelindo and Customs and Excise to speed up the process of dismantling imported rice stocks at the port. "Immediately invite to talk about distribution (rice), don't stay at the port for long, prioritize," he said. The 2013-2015 TNI Commander appealed to the public not to worry or panic. He said rice prices had experienced a downward trend at this time and the availability of medium and premium quality rice supplies was normal. "People don't need panic buying, because stock exists and buys enough," he concluded. On this occasion, the Ministry of Coordination for Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Cabinet Secretariat, the Logistics Affairs Agency (BULOG) and the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) were also present.