He noted that several regulatory adjustments have been approved based on proposals from Indonesian farmers, including a flat interest rate of 6 percent annually for smallholder business credit (KUR).
While visiting the Pesantren Baru Sugar Factory here on Tuesday, the minister said that the government has also allocated considerable funding for the national sugarcane plantation sector and provided a seed subsidy of Rp200 billion for new sugarcane plantings.
“We just received a budget of Rp200 billion for plasma farmers. This will help accelerate the growth of sugarcane and sugar production,” Sulaiman informed.
He then emphasized the importance of boosting production.
During the colonial era, Indonesia was the second-largest sugar producer in the world, with productivity reaching 14 tons per hectare. However, after independence, the figure dropped to just four tons per hectare.
Sulaiman cited multiple challenges, including regulatory and cultivation-related issues, which the government is seeking to gradually address to meet the self-sufficiency target.
“Hopefully, within the next three to four years, we can achieve (sugar) self-sufficiency. If we succeed, we could save up to Rp50 trillion in foreign exchange just from sugar. For white sugar, we are targeting self-sufficiency as early as next year,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kediri Mayor Vinanda Prameswati welcomed the Agriculture Ministry’s programs to boost national sugar self-sufficiency.
She said that achieving the sugar self-sufficiency target will require collaboration among all stakeholders, including regional governments and the community.
“I am confident and optimistic that Indonesia can reclaim its status as a major sugar-producing country. Here in Kediri, we have two operational sugar factories,” she added.
Related news: Indonesian VP urges unity for sugar self-sufficiency goals
Related news: Minister pledges overhaul for sugar self-sufficiency drive
Related news: E Java: VP meets sugarcane farmers, promises action on road project
Translator: Asmaul, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
