Import of Rice and Sugar from India Impeded by Policy Restriction, Reports Bapanas
Published on: December 22, 2023.
Filed under:
Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Arief Prasetyo Adi, has revealed that the import of rice and sugar from India has been hindered by the country’s policy restriction and local political issues. Adi stated that while basmati rice is still being imported from India, other food products, including rice and sugar, are facing export restrictions imposed by the Indian government. These restrictions have caused delays in imports.
Adi explained that India has its own strategy in the food sector, and with the upcoming political year in 2024, there are additional political reasons for the export restrictions. Despite a promise made by an Indian diplomat to provide one million tons of rice to Indonesia, the ban on exports was implemented shortly after the meeting with the Indonesian Trade Minister.
As a result, Indonesia has had to turn to other countries to fulfill its rice needs. Adi and state-owned logistics company PT Bulog have been mandated by President Jokowi to seek two million tons of rice. Imports have been made from countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, and Cambodia. While Adi did not provide specific details on the amount of rice imported, he emphasized that the focus is on meeting the country’s needs, regardless of the origin of the rice.
Although importing rice is not something to be proud of, it is a necessary step to maintain the availability of food supplies in Indonesia. Adi reiterated that domestic production is still a priority, as stated by Law Number 18 of 2012 concerning Food.
Source
