Distributors `not serious' about selling sugar cheaply

SURABAYA: Sugar distributors in East Java are accused of not being serious in answering the provincial administration's call to provide cheap sugar for low-income families in the province, prompting Governor Soekarwo to call for a meeting.

Representatives from 10 sugar distributors attended the meeting on Monday to discuss the planned cheap sugar program, which can only be realized with support from both the sugar distributors and companies. While admitting the program could cause the sugar industry financial losses, Soekarwo said the administration had to interfere to prevent further problems, as sugar prices had drastically increased from the previous Rp 6,800 (60 US cents) to the current Rp 10,000.

The provincial assistant for economic development, Chairul Djaelani, said the administration and sugar distributors would allocate 21,000 tons of sugar for the program, but so far only 700 tons had been committed. After long discussion, some agreed to allocate low-price sugar for low-income families, including PT Perusahaan Negara (PTPN) X that committed to 100 tons of sugar, PTPN XI 500 tons and PT PG Rajawali I 50 tons.

Source:thejakartapost