President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has instructed Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo to check data on national rice stocks with regional authorities to ensure rice availability and price stability.

“I have been given one week to recheck the (rice stocks) factual data together with all officials, governors, and district heads,” Limpo informed after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Palace here on Monday.

He said that when President Widodo inquired about rice stocks and prices during the meeting, he assured him that as per the ministry’s data, rice stock availability in Indonesia is adequate.

“Moreover, according to the BPS (Statistics Indonesia) and our researchers’ prognosis, we record the highest rice production of 18.3 million tons in our March–April harvest period, and we again record more than 13 million tons in the August–October harvest. Hence, the BPS data showed that our stocks are assured, with some 60 percent being held by our people,” Limpo informed.

The minister said that Widodo also asked him to ensure there are sufficient stocks by preparing reserve stocks with the State Logistics Board (Bulog).

“I will complete the task within the tight deadline (set by the President),” the minister affirmed.

Sufficient rice stocks are expected to keep rice prices from fluctuating, he said, adding that the ministry is coordinating with the Trade Minister, Bulog, and National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) to monitor rice stocks and their availability.

“I believe that the stocks are adequate. Our data showed that in 2022, we recorded high land productivity. Just inquire about the data, there are no rotten agriculture land and no land extremely impacted by disasters,” Limpo said.

Source: Antara News