If the rice supply in Jakarta is disrupted, the national supply will also be hampered.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Arief Prasetyo Adi made assurance that none of the rice stocks were damaged by the fire that broke out at Cipinang Rice Market (PIBC) here on Tuesday afternoon.

"We have checked the traders' rice stocks, and five thousand tons of Bulog’s (State Logistics Agency’s) rice stock managed by the Food Station (regional-owned distribution and warehousing company PT. Food Station Tjipinang Jaya) are safe," he noted in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency head remarked that the burnt warehouse was storing several logistics for packaging purposes, including cardboard boxes and sacks.

Adi admitted to heaving a huge sigh of relief on finding there were no casualties or damaged rice in the incident, considering that his side is striving to increase the rice stocks.

"The availability of rice stocks managed by the farmers, mills, Bulog, and traders must be maintained and used optimally,” the Bapanas head remarked.

Adi said that it is in accordance with the directives of President Joko Widodo to maintain the supply and price of rice ahead of the 2023 fasting month Ramadan as well as Eid al-Fitr.

The fasting month is estimated to fall on March 23 to April 21, while Eid al-Fitr is projected to fall on April 22.

“In addition, the price of rice must be calculated and maintained to control inflation," Adi remarked.

Furthermore, he urged the public to not harbor concerns since the rice stocks at PIBC had been ensured and the fire incident will not hinder the distribution of the commodity to the traders in Jakarta and its surrounding regions.

"Rice trading and distribution activities ahead of Ramadan will continue to run normally and will not experience any disruptions," he emphasized.

The Bapanas head suggested that the security of warehouses at PIBC should be improved and monitored regularly, as the market is an important rice distribution center that supplies 60 percent of the rice demand in Jakarta and its surrounding areas.

"Jakarta is a national barometer (for rice stock stability). If the rice supply in Jakarta is disrupted, then the national supply will also be hampered," he remarked.

In addition, PIBC is the center for the implementation of the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) Program for rice that is carried out by Bulog.

According to the Food Station data, the rice stock at PIBC currently stands at around 19 thousand to 20 thousand tons and will be increased to reach 30 thousand tons.

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Translator: Kuntum Riswan, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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