REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Presidential candidate Joko Widodo said differences of opinion among ministries in the Working Cabinet were common and became a dynamic in every meeting he led. He made the remarks in response to the question of presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto in the presidential debate at Bidakara Hotel Jakarta, Thursday night.
"Yes, if there are differences like that, I think in a dynamic in meetings, I invite you. The ministers debate, I invite you, I listen," Jokowi said.
In the question and answer session between the candidate pairs, Prabowo asked Jokowi's opinion regarding the differences in rice stock data in the country which caused the Government to import rice.
"Among your ministers are opposite. Some say that the supply of rice is sufficient, but want to import rice. How do officials who adopt, including the Managing Director of Bulog, Pak Buwas (Budi Waseso), say enough, Minister of Agriculture said enough; but the Minister of Trade allowed a lot of food imports. Confusing," Prabowo asked Jokowi.
Jokowi answered that differences of opinion among his ministers were common; but when it reaches a decision, it must be carried out by its ranks.
"There are those who want not to import, there are those who want to import; but if it has been decided, it should indeed be implemented. Later when the debate has finished, I just decide, whether we import or not will be decided," he said.
On September 2018, President Director of the State Logistic Agency (Bulog) Budi Waseso "Buwas" stated Indonesia will not need to import rice. He assured that Bulog has adequate supply of the staple commodity to meet demand until June 2019.
Earlier, Director General of Foreign Trade Oke Nurwan said shipments of rice imported by Indonesia from India and Pakistan have been delayed on extreme weather. He got the information from the state-owned logistics board, Bulog.
"Information from Bulog said there is problem of bad weather in the exporting countries," Oke said.
Based on information from the Trade Ministry, Bulog has asked for extension of import license because of the delay in the shipment of 440,000 tons of rice. The request for the import license extension was signed by Bulog chief on 18 July, 2018 addressed to the Trade Minister.
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