Rice stocks sufficient, deputy minister says

JAKARTA. Deputy Trade Minister Bayu Krisnamurthi says stocks of rice at the Cipinang rice market are sufficient to meet demand for the next 11-12 days, despite a decline in supply during the last several days due to flooding.

“There have been disruptions in the distribution of rice due to the floods in Karawang and Cirebon, reducing supply to around 2,100 tons per day from 3,000 tons per day,” Bayu said in Jakarta on Monday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

He said current stocks of rice at the Cipinang rice market amounted to around 32,700 tons and additional supplies of around 2,000 tons were expected, so that rice stocks in Jakarta and several other areas remained sufficient.

“Currently, rice stocks are still at a safe level, as seen from the trading price of rice, which rose by a less significant amount,” he said.

Indramayu’s northern coastal highway (Pantura), which passes through Eretan Kandanghaur and continues to Subang, remains cut off by floodwater. This has caused severe traffic congestion between Cikamurang in Indramayu regency, West Java, and Subang, hampering the supply of rice to Jakarta.

Overall, Bayu said, the price of basic commodities were relatively stable. Even if there were price increases, they would only be between 1 and 3 percent, he said.

“What we should pay attention to are fish and horticultural products because they have been the worst-hit by the current extreme weather,” Bayu said. He said the ministry was continuing to monitor the price of basic commodities in 10 cities across Indonesia. (ebf)