The Rice Import Shambles
The twists and turns between Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi and the Chief Executive Officer of the State Logistics Agency Budi Waseso over the plan to import rice is a result of the lack of clarity in food policy. We need a National Food Agency.
Tempo
March 29, 2021
IN this country, rice is often seen as a political commodity. However, when ensuring supplies of this staple, politics should not come into play. Transparent and accountable technical considerations must be the ruling guide. Rice imports, if needed, must be seen as a government instrument to guarantee stocks of this staple.
Three indicators can be used to determine whether there is need to import rice
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