REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Himpunan Kerukunan Tani Indonesia (HKTI) as an association of Indonesia farmers asks the goverment to stop importing rice, deputy chairman of HKTI, Rachmad Pambudi, says on Moday. 

"Basically, we support the increasing of COGS (Cost of Goods Sold). On the other hand, we expect the government to stop importing rice," he said firmly.

Import rice inflicts losses on the farmers, since its price is lower than local rice. If COGS is increased, then the government must control the rice quality and its supply in the market. The new standard of COGS  will be beneficial for the farmers.

Pambudi said, this new COGS was quite ideal. "COGS relates to rice for the poor. The higher COGS will financially burden the government," he added.

In a separate occasion, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rusman Heriawan, the porposal to increase COGS had been discussed between the Ministry of Trade and Bulog -a body responsible for logistic supply. "We will discuss this issue thoroughly," he said to Republika.

Sementara itu, saat ditemui Republika, Wakil Menteri Pertanian Rusman Heriawan mengatakan usulan menaikkan HPP sudah dibahas dengan Bulog dan Kementrian Perdagangan. "Ini sudah melalui pemeriksaan akademis dan sudah disampaikan ke Menko (Kementrian Perekonomian) untuk dibahas lebih lanjut," jelasnya.

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