"I welcome the visit of my friend, Mr Prabowo Subianto, to discuss various important and strategic issues at the global level, which have an impact on the life of the Indonesian nation, ranging from issues of food security, energy crises, threats of financial crises in many other countries, as well as some challenges being faced by the global community," Hartarto noted in his statement received here on Tuesday.
In the meeting that lasted more than an hour, the duo discussed about collaborative efforts between ministries to deal with international turmoil, such as the issue of the food, energy, and financial crises, as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The two ministers also discussed further technical issues related to food security, particularly following a meeting led by President Joko Widodo, in which he gave directives to ministers in his cabinet to continue to uphold food security by boosting domestic productivity and relying less on food imports.
"The president also wants farmers to be able to produce soybeans and urged SOEs to buy from farmers at a price of Rp10,000 (per kilogram), so that this price guaranteed becomes attractive enough for farmers to want to plant soybeans," Minister Hartarto added.
The president also encouraged the use of superior seeds that have been genetically engineered (GMOs) as a means to increase productivity. The government additionally prepares a budget for the expansion of planting land, so that it can increase domestic production and reduce food imports.
President Jokowi had earlier appointed the defense minister to assist with the national food estate program with other ministries. In the ministry's food estate program in Central Kalimantan, cassava grown on the lands could later be processed into flour, noodles, and energy sources.
Furthermore, the two ministers agreed to maintain cooperation with one another as per Jokowi's directives in his state speech on August 16, 2022, that all state institutions need to always be cautious and ready in the midst of the chaotic world condition. Economic independence and national resilience were the most important aspects in pursuing the ideals and struggles of the Indonesian people.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira R, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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