President Jokowi Inspects Rice Production in Indramayu Regency

President Jokowi Friday (13/10) inspects a rice harvest in Sukra district, Indramayu regency, West Java province. (Photo by: Laily Rachev – Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo directly inspected the great harvest activities to ensure that the national rice production is on track amid the drought caused by super El Niño.

“I would like to make sure that the production is still good, although it is indeed decreasing due to the super El Niño, but it is still good,” the President said in Sukra district, Indramayu regency, West Java province, Friday (10/13).

The President also said that the harvest yield in Sukra district was still good as it was supported by proper technical irrigation to produce an average of 8.6 tons per hectare.

In addition, the price of unhulled rice is also relatively high, reaching Rp7,300 per kilogram, thus providing benefits to farmers. “The price of unhulled rice is favorable for all farmers, Rp7,300, Rp7,400, Rp7,200, yes, all farmers are pleased, but the consumers are not,” he added.

Therefore, in order to lower and maintain the stability of rice prices, the President said that the Government will continue to increase the rice reserves in the National Logistics Agency (Bulog).

“Reserves at Bulog are at 1.7 (million tons) and there will be another 500, 600 thousand tons. It means that our food reserves are in a safe condition, but we still need the rice to enter the market so that prices can drop gradually,” the President said. (BPMI/DNS) (FI/LW)