Hartarto made the statement during a visit to a production facility of starch and sweetener manufacturer PT Sorini Agro Asia Corporindo Tbk in Pasuruan, East Java, on Thursday (December 14), according to a statement from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.
Hartarto noted that the government is currently focusing on conducting downstreaming, including in the agriculture industry, which will develop the domestic import-substitution industries in the country.
Moreover, the domestic production of food commodities also continues to be strengthened to achieve food security in the country.
"We know that the cycle of developing a food estate is not the same as building a factory. Thus, it requires an ecosystem, agricultural development, and we will try a modern agricultural system," he said.
On Thursday, the minister visited the blending facility for sweeteners and food texture products at the factory of global food giant Cargill, the parent company of PT Sorini Agro Asia Corporindo Tbk.
He also lauded the contribution of PT Cargill Indonesia in advancing Indonesia's food industry.
"I hope the good synergy from Cargill and its subsidiaries in advancing food security and the welfare of Indonesian farmers can be maintained," Hartarto said.
As per the ministry's statement, the food and beverage industry is still the largest contributor to Indonesia's manufacturing industry sector, with a contribution of 6.59 percent.
In the third quarter of 2023, the food and beverage industry recorded a positive growth of 3.28 percent (yoy) and is believed to get stronger with increasing demand during the 2023 Christmas and 2024 New Year holidays.
The food and beverage industry also has an important role in supporting efforts to implement decarbonization and improve the green economy by implementing environmentally friendly practices and utilizing renewable energy.
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Translator: Bayu Saputra, Raka Adji
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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