Head of Bapanas, Arief Prasetyo Adi, stated that his side is prioritizing production availability and sufficient stocks.
"Our priority is the availability. We must find a way for (ensuring) sufficient stock. From there, we can move on to the price. Therefore, the food stock must be increased in line with the upstream's production," he stated in Jakarta on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Bapanas' secretary, Sarwo Edhy, emphasized that the development of IKN should take into account food security as an important aspect and part of national resilience.
"The start of capital city relocation is expected to take place on August 17, 2024, in line with Indonesia's independence celebration. Hence, food security is an important aspect of this relocation. Bapanas is ready to support food security in IKN," he remarked.
Edhy noted that East Kalimantan Province, especially areas near IKN, had been currently experiencing an increase in population along with the IKN development. Hence, it is important that the food sector is properly taken into account.
Most of East Kalimantan's food needs are supplied from several regions, such as South Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, and East Java. With the population moving to IKN, food needs have also increased significantly, he remarked.
"Currently, we have 19 Bulog (state-run logistic company) Warehouse Units, with a total capacity of 60 thousand tons located around IKN and are ready to support regional food needs. If it is not enough, we will try to increase food stock and infrastructure that can support food security," he stated.
Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded that total rice production of East Kalimantan Province in 2023 is estimated to be around 125.23 thousand tons.
"We will push for an increased production for food security at the regional and national level. We also ask for a reduction in land conversion, so that rice fields and plantation land still remain for our food security. This can be achieved with strong collaboration from all of us," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Head of the IKN Authority (OIKN), Bambang Susantono, highlighted the importance of collaboration regarding food security at IKN.
"We cannot work alone to prepare and realize food security. IKN must work with regional partners to meet the food needs," he remarked.
Moreover, in order to boost food production and productivity, agriculture methods in the IKN area and its surroundings must adopt environmentally friendly modern technology. These two aspects are a necessity in the future development of the capital city, Susantono added.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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