President Jokowi Commits to Ensure Farmers’ Welfare

President Joko Widodo delivers press statement after inspecting rice availability and distributing government food reserve assistance at Tanah Grogot Warehouse Complex, Paser regency, East Kalimantan province, on Thursday (27/09) (Photo: Bureau of Press and Media of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

During inspection to Tanah Grogot Warehouse Complex, Paser regency, East Kalimantan province, Thursday afternoon (26/09), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo stated that the prices of rice and unhulled rice are reasonable. He further emphasized that the reasonable price of rice reflects a positive condition for farmers because the price is directly proportional to the price of unhulled rice they sell.

“In my opinion, if the price of rice is good, the price of unhulled rice is also good. If the price of unhulled rice is good, the selling price at farmers’ level will also be good assuming that there is no distortion on the ground. Just check the prices on the ground. You can also ask the price of unhulled rice to farmers. Previously, it was Rp4,200 per kilogram, and now it is Rp6,000 per kilogram,” the President explained.

The President also highlighted that it is important for the areas around the Nusantara Capital (IKN) to prepare themselves as a food supply center, especially vegetables, fruits, chicken meat and rice. He also pointed that these areas must be able to support food supply for IKN so that local economy could develop along with IKN’s growth.

“Provinces around IKN, regencies/cities around IKN must prepare themselves. For example, how to fulfil the supply of vegetables, chicken meat, and rice. If the supply is not enough, it means the supply must be fulfilled from other provinces,” the President noted.

The President also ordered the regional government of East Kalimantan province to work together with surrounding regencies/cities to prepare sufficient food production to supply the needs of IKN. In this regard, the economic benefits can be directly felt by local communities.

“If it is possible, East Kalimantan province should prepare itself, supported by the regencies around IKN, either fruits, vegetables, rice and other staple food, so that it really provides economic benefits to the community,” the President remarked. (TGH/DNS) (GA/MB)