"To date and until the next few years, we are facing several problems that need to be solved. With regard to the food sector, for instance, the FAO has warned of a possible food crisis, threat of famine to some 135 million of the world’s population or even worse," the president stated at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday.
Jokowi made the statement at the opening of the National Development Planning Meeting 2020 held through videoconferencing in which the participants comprised cabinet ministers, regional leaders, and head of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda).
"Since food availability and food security are crucial, it is important to see our readiness in food production and the post-harvest processing industry as well as the supply chain and distribution efficiency. We must formulate a massive strategy to face the problems in future," Jokowi expounded.
In connection with the energy resilience sector, the head of state highlighted the fluctuating world crude oil prices.
"Similarly for the energy sector amid the volatility in the world crude oil prices, dropping from US$60 to US$20," he pointed out.
Jokowi has urged the national meeting’s participants to design the strategy for the country to reduce its dependence on fossil energy.
"Where should it go, to bio-energy or battery? This will determine the direction for research and development of renewable energy," he remarked.
At the meeting, Jokowi gave weightage to the issue of the social safety net system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Many people from almost all sectors in the country are affected by this pandemic. Lay-offs are occurring, people are losing their jobs and sources of income, and the number of poor has increased. Hence, we need to prepare the model and system of social safety net," Jokowi stated.
Social assistance should be distributed swiftly and effectually to achieve its target. "How can we have accurate, transparent, and accountable data that can be accessible at any time, so that any mistake can be rectified quickly, and we can ensure that those in need receive the aid," the president noted.
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Translator: Desca LN, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
