Rice Import Permit Stopped At The End Of January, Bulog: We Follow The Government

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan (left) together with Banten Governor Andika Hazrumy (center) and NTB Governor Zulkieflimansyah (right)/ Photo; IST

JAKARTA - Director of Supply Chain and Public Services, Perum Bulog Mokhamad Suyamto said that his party as the operator would follow the policies set by the government regarding the limits of rice import permits.

The statement also responded to the decision of the Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan, who would close the faucet on rice imports at the end of January 2023.

"The point is we, Bulog, as the operator, follow the government," he told reporters in Cilegon, Banten, Sunday, January 15.

Even so, Suyamto emphasized that his party would try to meet the import rice quota of 500,000 tons.

"We're still trying. We're trying," he said.

As is known, Bulog received an assignment for rice import permits with a quota of 500,000 tons from several countries. Such as Pakistan, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand.

In the first phase, 200,000 tons of rice will be imported to Indonesia. However, until now, only 120,000 tons have been realized and are planned to enter entirely at the end of January.

Meanwhile, for the second phase as much as 300,000 tons will enter in early February. The plan is to enter 15,000 tons from Vietnam and gradually enter until February 28.

As previously reported, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) emphasized that his party will close the faucet on rice imports no later than the end of January 2023.

The reason, said Zulhas, is that Indonesia will soon enter the main harvest season in February.

"January end rice, it's no longer allowed. January. I can't anymore, I will give permission until January. After that, I can't anymore," he said in Cilegon, Banten, Sunday, January 15.