Anticipating The Impact Of El Nino, RI Will Import 1 Million Tons Of Rice This Year

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government plans to return to import rice in anticipation of a prolonged drought or El Nino.

This was revealed by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan after being met on the SAFE Forum 2023 agenda in Jakarta, on Tuesday, September 26.

Luhut admitted that he had just received directions from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to import 2 million tons of rice in the next two years, while 1 million rice imports will be made this year.

"El Nino needs to be anticipated. The new president has given the main direction for the country to prepare for imports of 1 million tons this year and (1 million) next year," Luhut told reporters.

Even so, Luhut has not been able to reveal which countries will import rice into Indonesia.

"Yes, we'll see," he said.

Luhut ensured that national rice reserves were still in a maintained position and it was said that they were still meeting domestic needs.

Previously reported, the General Company of the Logistics Affairs Agency (Perum Bulog) is ready to bring in 1 million tons of rice from China if it is re-assigned by the government.

Bulog President Director Budi Waseso revealed that there had indeed been initial talks between President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the supply of rice to Indonesia.

Buwas, Budi Waseso's nickname, explained that the import of 1 million tons of rice could be done if the absorption at the farmer level was inadequate.

"If it is needed, Bulog will be assigned. If the weather does not support and this agricultural prediction is not maximized, the president will assign Bulog to (import) 1 million tons," he told reporters, Monday, September 25.