"The policies to exempt agricultural commodity imports from duties is a brazen step and of short-term benefit only. We demand the immediate revocation of these policies," said Subianto at a meeting with the House of Representatives` Commission VI that among other dealing deals with agricultural issues here Thursday.
Subianto, former son in law of President Suharto and a retired army lieutenant general, added that the government must therefore dismantle the tariff exemption policies and instead impose import duties on 57 agricultural commodities if Indonesian farmers are to be protected.
"HKTI will always be against import of agricultural commodities as a way to meet domestic needs and resorting to imports as the only panacea to cover production shortfalls.
Subianto, one time commander of elite army force Koppasus, said that the government had better rely on Indonesian farmers for commodity sufficiency by formulating pro-farmers and long-term agricultural policies.
"It`s really ironical that at this time the government has promised agricultural development through its revitalization, what really happening has been the marginalization of the farmers," said Subianto whose last official duty was commander of the army strategic command in 1998.
The other measure for expediting the agricultural development, Subianto said, is that the provision of bigger budget for agriculture in the state budget up to at least 10 percent of the total. He urged the House to also help with making the efforts realized by endorsing the budget.
In addition, the government should always be ready to buy the farmers` productions, Subianto said.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
