President Jokowi Orders Anticipatory Measures to Brace for Looming Food Crisis

Cabinet Secretary listens to President Jokowi’s directives, Tuesday (5/5). (Photo: Teguh/PR).

Following the warning from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) regarding the possibility of global food crisis due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has called for anticipatory measures and mitigation to ensure availability of food commodities and stability of food prices.

“The Government must brace for the upcoming dry season in the following months since the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has predicted that 30 percent of the nation’s regions will experience a drier dry season than usual,” the President said in his remarks at the limited cabinet meeting on anticipatory measures to address the impacts from drought on the availability of food commodities, Tuesday (5/5).

On that occasion, the President also highlighted the issue of water availability in  agricultural areas.

“We must address this issue from now on, starting from storing rainwater in the lakes, reservoirs, retention ponds and other artificial water storages. It is important,” he said.

The Head of State also stressed the importance of accelerating the growing season.

“We have to make the most of the current rainfall. We also have to ensure that farmers can continue to produce foods amidst the pandemic by following health protocols,” said the President.

The President also stressed that agricultural production facilities, both related to seeds and fertilizers, must be available at an affordable price.

“Few days ago, the Government also discussed plan to provide an economic stimulus for farmers,” said President Jokowi.

President Jokowi further said that stock management for staple foods must be very well-calculated.

“The Logistics Agency (Bulog) should keep buying grain from farmers to maintain the price,” the President said. (TGH/EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas