Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after a Visit to Al-Ittifaq Islamic Boarding School Cooperative, Bandung Regency, West Java Province, March 6, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Indeed, in all countries, the current greatest challenge in term of food is the availability of fertilizers. This is because the raw materials from Russia, from Ukraine are hampered by the war. But thank God, yesterday we were able to start [the re-operation of] Pupuk Iskandar Muda [factory] which can produce approximately 570,000 tons in a year and this will increase the fertilizer supply to farmers. But also once again, it is still very insufficient. So, we hope that as we see earlier, I think it is a good example what we see on the ground. They have started to use organic fertilizers and manure. I think this is good. I think [the problem of] fertilizer is indeed not easy.

Journalists
Regarding the ruling of the Central Jakarta District Court on the election delay, what is your response? Because you have affirmed a commitment that the election must go on.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I have repeatedly said that the Government is committed to the smooth running of the stages of the general elections. The budget has also been well prepared. I believe that the stages of the elections should continue and indeed [the ruling] has sparked controversy and raised pros and cons. However, the Government also supports the KPU (General Elections Commission) to appeal.

(FI/MUR)