Bulog will not export rice this year

The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) will not export rice this year despite the Trade Ministry issuing a regulation Tuesday on rice exports, Bulog president director Mustofa said.

"I think we don't have to export rice at the moment although a new regulation on this has been issued," he said.

"We should prioritize the food supply for our own people."

Speaking after a meeting with Coordinating Minister for the Economy Boediono, Mustofa said currently Bulog had between 1.3 million and 1.4 million tons of rice in reserve.

The stock can feed the country for about four months.

"If Bulog is looking for high profits, this is the time to export rice. Then we could import again when our rice supply dwindles," said Mustofa.

"But Bulog's duty is not only to make profits but to secure the rice supply so our people can buy rice at affordable prices."

Mustofa also said the ministerial regulation was not aimed at encouraging rice exports, but instead at regulating exports to protect the people.

"I expect we will not have any surplus to export this year. We can export rice next year if we can increase production," he said.

"Increasing production means that not only can we enjoy profits from the high prices but also contribute in securing the global food supply."

"It would be an honorable cause if we could help provide food to people in other countries." (****)