Even if we do our best, (even when) we are transparent, there is still a risk that the supply chain will be disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the global supply chain system, according to State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir.

"Even if we do our best, (even when) we are transparent, there is still a risk that the supply chain will be disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic," the minister delivered the statement at the National Sugar Summit (NSS) here on Wednesday.

Thohir also noted that the disruption to the global supply chain would not only affect small countries but also big nations.


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"One of the ambassadors from a big country sent me a short message in which for the first time ever, this country bought urea for industrial needs from a certain country. Now, that country is requesting Indonesia to supply the commodities they need. This is a big country, and never in Indonesia's history (have we) supplied industrial urea to this country in question. What does that mean? The (global) supply chain is disrupted," he elaborated.

Thohir further noted that the disruption to the global supply chain also hindered the availability of containers, so Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi took the initiative by deciding to import one of the commodities by using containers, so that Indonesia had sufficient container stock.

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Minister Thohir had earlier opined that the COVID-19 outbreak was an opportunity for committed countries to put in best efforts in maintaining the supply chain. He also reminded that it was time for the people to collaborate and work together to achieve that goal.

He believes that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, all Indonesian people should care, unite, and work together to build the country with their own strengths. The minister urged everyone to collaborate to contemplate on Indonesia's long-term interests and no longer be trapped by short-term policies.


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Translator: Aji Cakti, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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