Gov’t Advances National Food Security, Education, Infrastructures

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, and Head of Presidential Communications Office Hasan Nasbi (l to r) deliver a joint statement following the Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (08/07) (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

The Government continues to strengthen its strategic response to several issues, such as food security and infrastructure development, through concrete measures.

In a joint press conference after the Plenary Cabinet Meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto in the Cabinet Meeting Room, Jakarta Presidential Palace, on Wednesday (08/06), several Coordinating Ministers shared the latest updates on government policies on food, education, and infrastructure sectors.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan emphasized the Government’s measures in responding to issues related to the availability and distribution of rice. According to him, violators will face legal consequences.

“The public need not worry. We are launching a market operation approved by the President, aimed at securing 1.3 million tons of rice. This operation is now being expedited. Additionally, we have distributed food aid amounting to 360 thousand tons of rice,” said Zulkifli.

He also reported on the acceleration of the operation of village cooperatives. Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar said that the Government is planning to launch more than 150 community schools by next September.

“God willing, by September at the latest, the Government will launch more than 150 community schools. This is part of the Government’s efforts to tackle poverty in societies in decile 1 of extreme poverty,” Iskandar explained.

Responding to these two programs, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said that the Government is focusing on accelerating the construction and revitalization of infrastructure to achieve food security.

“The acceleration is being carried out through among others the improvement of irrigation systems and revitalization of buildings for the community schools launched as a flagship program which is expected to bring great benefits for societies,” said Agus.

Furthermore, at the Plenary Cabinet Meeting, President Prabowo reiterated the urgency of building the giant seawall as a strategic step to protect the northern coastal area of Java (Pantura). According to Agus, the Government will continue to refine the project design and seek sustainable financing schemes.

“The President also emphasized the importance of completing the grand concept to build the giant seawall aimed at protecting tens of millions of people living in Pantura, including protecting not only their livelihoods but also many industrial centers such as special economic zones located in the Pantura route,” he concluded. (BPMI) (EST/TM)