"The government will gradually reduce sugar imports while at the same time trying to boost domestic sugar production," he said here on Saturday.
While the government would gradually cut sugar imports the people would hopefully reduce their sugar consumption, he said.
"The import of sugar is made because of high demand. Therefore, we have no other choice but to import white sugar," he said.
"I appeal to the public to reduce their sugar need. Moreover, consuming too much sugar could give rise to health problem, such as diabetes," he said.
Quoting the results of a study, he said per capita sugar consumption in Indonesia was higher than that of many other countries.
"If the matter can be resolved I think it will change our sugar consumption pattern. We can reduce sugar consumption or will never import sugar," he said.
"All parties need to think of reducing or abolishing sugar imports. Only recently, I discussed domestic sugar production with the agriculture minister. Therefore, the commodity can be produced in large quantities to meet domestic need," he said.
(SYS/S012)
Editor: Suryanto
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