It is time for us to transform, from a consuming country to a producing country. To this end, we seek the government's participation to form and facilitate all research for Indonesia's betterment.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Policies that improve the welfare of farmers and fishermen will build strong food sovereignty in Indonesia, according to the House of Representatives' member Mercy Chriesty Barends.

She noted in her written statement received here Friday that based on the data of farmer exchange rate (NTP) and fisherman exchange rate (NTN) from 2010 to 2020, Indonesia had recorded the highest NTP of 115 in 2012 and the highest NTN at 114 in 2014.

According to this member of parliament, it was determined in the 2022 fiscal year's state budget draft that NTP and NTN as the indicators of farmers' and fishermen's welfare laid in the range of 102 to 104 and 102 to 105, respectively.

"On that basis, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Faction still contends that the government can increase the NTP and NTN numbers to bolster productivity and welfare of farmers and fishermen as part of building Indonesia's food sovereignty," she affirmed.

Barends noted that the government was expected to continue to enhance productivity and welfare of farmers and fishermen, especially in the program stipulated in the 2022 state budget draft.

"It is time for us to transform, from a consuming country to a producing country. To this end, we seek the government's participation to form and facilitate all research for Indonesia's betterment," she noted.

Earlier, Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo highlighted the crucial role of farmers in national development and called them the food heroes of the nation.

"Farmers are heroes for they produce the nation's food. The government should not disappoint them," Limpo noted earlier in a press statement of the Ministry of Agriculture's thanksgiving event of the 76th Anniversary of the Indonesian Independence.

The minister pointed out that the NTP and the agricultural business exchange rate (NTUP), as indicators of the farmers' welfare, had been increasing. In July, he cited data from Statistics Indonesia that recorded NTP to have reached 103.48, while the NTUP amounted to 103.77.

"In the last two years, NTP had stayed in the range of 100 to 103. We have to maintain and improve it," the minister affirmed.

Earlier, during a visit to a fishing village in Nambangan, Kenjeran Sub-district, Surabaya, SOE Minister Erick Thohir instructed state-owned enterprises to assist fishermen to enable them to advance.

"Regarding financing, I will hold a discussion with Himbara Bank and PNM (state-owned financing company) to build cooperation. As for distribution, give me time because the fishing industry will be linked to other ministries. Insya Allah (God willing), we will certainly help our fishermen to rise," Thohir affirmed.

The minister believes that SOEs must provide all-out support to fishermen in order to build food security, especially in the Indonesian fishing industry.

He called for overcoming barriers, such as expensive fuel, financing, and distribution of fish hauls.

Translator: M Rahman, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021