President Prabowo Praises MSME Innovation and Self-sufficiency Efforts in W. Kalimantan

President Prabowo visits exhibition booths showcasing the downstream processing of feed corn commodities in Bengkayang regency, West Kalimantan province, on Thursday (6/5). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

As part of his working visit to Bengkayang regency, West Kalimantan province, President Prabowo Subianto visited several exhibition booths showcasing the downstream processing of feed corn commodities and local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) products.

President Prabowo showed great enthusiasm as he visited each booth, including the one hosted by Bengkayang regency. This booth focused on enhancing the value of corn through product diversification.

“Mr. President came to our booth and asked questions about our problems. After receiving an explanation from our booth, Mr. President discussed the opportunities for corn development in Bengkayang with the Minister, especially because Bengkayang is a border area,” Head of the Food Security and Agriculture Office of Bengkayang regency, Yulianus, said.

Yulianus also pointed out that there were 11 types of corn-derived products displayed at the booth, including chips, dodol (traditional toffee-like confection made of sugar palm), and corn syrup. The President responded positively to the display.

“He was pleasantly surprised that corn can be turned into chips, dodol, and syrup. And, he immediately showed interest in buying them,” said Yulianus.

President Prabowo expressed his support for the exhibition team and MSME participants in further developing their products. “The President highlighted the importance of continuous innovation and community development. He also gave instructions to the Minister regarding the issue and future plans for Bengkayang regency,” Yulianus said.

Apart from showing interest in downstreaming and MSMEs, President Prabowo also spoke directly with Prof. Ali Zum Mashar, an innovator in agricultural biotechnology. During the visit, the President displayed his interest in breakthrough technologies that could help Indonesia achieve corn and soybean self-sufficiency in just two years.

“The President was very satisfied and enthusiastic. He said, ‘Alright, two years. This is a promise,’ and asked the Minister of Agriculture and the Indonesian Chief of Police to support the effort,” Prof. Ali said.

The President also stated the importance of expanding the breakthrough nationally.  In addition, he urged that the breakthrough could be utilized in a technology-based national self-sufficiency movement.

“Farmers must not be left to struggle on their own, without any assistance. We have assistants, investors, agricultural equipment, and mechanization, all of which will help farmers to obtain their welfare and reasonable income in line with their rights,” Prof. Ali said.

The visit underscored President Prabowo’s commitment to drive the people’s economy through agricultural industrialization and empowerment of farmers and local MSMEs, particularly in border areas such as Bengkayang. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/MMB)