President Jokowi Tells Farmers to Grow Coffee, Spices

President Jokowi takes selfie with HKTI members after the opening of HKTI National Coordination Meeting and Discussion, at State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (19/3). (Photo: Jay/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has encouraged Indonesian farmers to plant commodities with high values such as coffee and spices other than rice and corn.

“I have specifically ordered Minister of Agriculture to support planting of spices,” President Jokowi said at the opening of the Indonesian Farmers Association (HKTI) Coordination and Discussion Meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (19/3).

The President went on saying that Indonesia was once renowned for its abundant varieties of spices that even European countries were obsessed with them and colonized Indonesia in an attempt to dominate the spice trade. Unfortunately, he continued, today only a few farmers who plant spices and there are even few of them who rejuvenate the land.

President Jokowi added that he has ordered farmers to plant the commodity since three years ago and the Government has also provided the seeds.

On that occasion, the President also urged the HKTI to support the program. “Do not let the country’s title as “top spice producing country” is taken by other countries,” he said.

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