"If the power and authority of BULOG is being undermined, soaring prices will become a reality assuredly."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Authority of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) should quickly be restored as the staple food controller on account of soaring prices during the oncoming holy month of Ramadan, said Agriculture Minister Suswono here on Tuesday.
"If the power and authority of BULOG is being undermined, soaring prices will become a reality assuredly," he said during Food Security Council (DKP) Conference scheduled between 16th and18th July 2012.
DKP Conference, which has been held twice this year, attempted to highlight Acceleration of Achievement of Five Staple Food Commodities.
Moreover, were the supply of staple food to be dominated by traders, they could control prices and subject the availability to undue risk, according to Suswono.
Based on data released by Statistics Central Agency (BPS), Suswono further added that the food production could comply with society`s demand.
In the mean time, he continued that according to food suppliers food reserves would be adequate. However, he questioned the rise in average food prices which continued to rise higher still.
Thus, Agriculture Minister affirmed that the Bulog`s responsibility as a price stabilizer was really important to both rice and other basic necessities.
In conclusion, political and financial support systems are needed to restore the authority of Bulog as the staple food controller. ***2***
(LPW/INE)
(T.O001/B/KR-BSR/F001) 17-07-2012 15:40:12
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
