Indians say Bhujiya, Basmati rice not available in Jakarta, MEA says will look into it

To the relief of the Indian diaspora in Indonesia, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has decided to look into the issue of non-availability of certain Indian snacks and food items in Jakarta. Many Indians living in Jakarta told WION that Basmati rice, Indian tea and Bhujiya are not easily available in the city. Other Indian food items too run short from time to time. Indians in Jakarta say that this was not the case last year.

"We would be looking at the issue to remove all the impediments," Preeti Saran, Secretary, East told WION.

India's ambassador to Indonesia, Pradeep Rawat, added that availability of Indian condiments may differ from region to region. "This might not be the case in Sumatra. You will not hear this complaint on rice on that side," he said. Rawat emphasised that it can also be an issue of demand and supply. "Quarantine regimes come into effect from time to time, delaying the movement of goods which is not limited to Indonesia as it is a global phenomenon," he said.

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He affirmed that Indian embassy in Indonesia has ministerial channels and dedicated working groups which take up such issues at regular intervals to the Indian community's satisfaction.
 
Saran added that trade ministers of both the countries would be meeting once a year and it would be incumbent upon the officials to look into all such issues. She also said that this issue is not specific to Indonesian diaspora. "Sometimes it also depends on the size of the community," she said.

The Secretary, East, added that the government is working towards liberalising the visa regime to facilitate greater people to people contact between India and Indonesia.

Many Indians also look forward to going to visiting their home country for medical treatment for want of better doctors and cheaper services. Medical services and medicine is expensive in Indonesia and India works far better for the diaspora as a cheap medical destination.
 
In context of Indian community's desire to access Indian educational institutions, Saran said, "We take it as a compliment and we will be happy to encourage such linkages."

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