Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a meeting with several rice businessmen at the State Palace, here, Thursday, to obtain inputs on the condition of rice trading in the country.

"This morning, I do not want to speak a lot, as I am keen to hear about the situation and condition of rice trading and related issues in the markets and regions, and how it will be in future," Jokowi remarked here, Thursday.

The president was keen to know the condition of rice trading in the Cipinang Main Market in Jakarta and other regions.

Jokowi was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung and Coordinator of the presidential special staff Teten Masduki.

His guests included rice traders from Cipinang Market, members of the Paddy Mill Association, rice businessmen, and other businesspersons.

Billy Haryanto, representative of the Paddy Mill Association and the Association of Indonesian Rice Businessmen, noted that the rice stock in Cipinang Market is adequate, and the prices are stable.

"I guarantee. Hence, I asked the president to not visit Cipinang Market when he said he wanted to visit the market. What for? It is tiring, and the president is already tired," he added.

Reporting by Agus Salim, fardah

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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