"Indonesia is not aware of the fact that 90 percent of the pharmaceutical products are basically imported. We are focused on providing for the pharmaceutical industry in Indonesia. We are targeting that the requirement for 70 percent of the medical supplies can be fulfilled by Indonesia," the minister noted in a statement here on Wednesday.
Pandjaitan made the statement while speaking at a virtual Standard Chartered ASEAN Business Forum 2020 themed, “Unlocking Regional Potential," held on Tuesday.
To achieve the target of food self-sufficiency, the government is preparing food estates planned to be located in Kalimantan and North Sumatra, according to the minister.
"Indonesia currently does not have a food estate. Indonesia is now developing two food estate areas in Kalimantan, measuring one million hectares, and in North Sumatra, measuring 30,000-40,000 hectares. This is basically to ensure that we would become self-reliant, if something were to happen globally," he remarked.
Another key takeaway from the COVID-19 pandemic is the criticality of building a common regional economy involving ASEAN member countries.
Pandjaitan deems it necessary for the ASEAN to intensify integration efforts and remove trade barriers.
Moreover, the regional grouping should promote sustainable economic development, protect natural resources, prevent the exploitation of resources, support investment in downstream industries, and encourage countries to become part of the global supply chain through the use of environment-friendly green technology.
Meanwhile, to be able to restore confidence in multilateralism and global trade during the ongoing pandemic, Pandjaitan emphasized that the ASEAN should commit to avoiding export restrictions on essential goods, such as medical equipment and, in particular, food products.
"We choose not to intervene in the domestic problems of any country. We also do not want some countries to interfere in our domestic problems. However, we can help one another. We can support each other. That is the spirit of ASEAN," he added. Related news: Indonesia cooperating with nine nations to ensure medical supplies
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Translator: Ade Irma J, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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