Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Limited Cabinet Meeting through Video Conference on Anticipation of the Impacts of Droughts on Staple Food Supplies Tuesday, 5 May 2020 at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Distingushed Vice President,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Today’s Limited Meeting will discuss anticipation of the impacts of droughts on staple food supplies.

I have said on many occasions about a warning from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on global food crisis. Therefore, we must calculate and prepare for dry season. It is because the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has predicted that 30 percent of season zones (ZOM) will face a severe drought. Thus, anticipation and mitigation measures must be prepared so that availability and stability of staple foods will not be disrupted.

I want to reiterate several points of note. First, availability of water in central agricultural zones is the key. For that reason, we must prepare rainwater storage from now and retain the rainwater in lakes, dams, reservoirs, retention basins, and other water retaining facilities; it is really important.

Second, to immediately start planting season. We must make the best use of current rainfall. We must ensure that the farmers cultivate their crops by adhering to health protocols. In addition, facilities for agriculture production including seeds and fertilizers must be available at an affordable price. Economic stimulus for the farmers has also been discussed and will be intensified.

Third, management of staple food stocks must be calculated carefully. The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) should buy dry unhusked rice from the farmers to maintain the price at farmers.

And that concludes my remarks.

Translated by Rany Anjany S

Reviewed by Muhardi