Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Inspection of Rice Availability and Distribution of Government Food Reserve Assistance at the Tanah Grogot Warehouse Complex, Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, September 26, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Yes, we are starting to provide 10 kg of food assistance for the month of October beginning in Paser Regency, and it has already been received by the community. I think other regencies and provinces will also start soon at the beginning of October.

Journalist:

Sir, the World Bank recorded that Indonesia has the most expensive rice in ASEAN, but farmers’ incomes are still low?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Look at the price of rice FOB (Free on Board), how much is it? It’s around US$530-600, plus freight costs of about 40 dollars. Try calculating how much that adds up to. So, if you’re comparing, it should be based on the consumer price, that’s where you’ll see it. Ideally, if the rice price is good, then the price of paddy should also be good. If the price of paddy is good, the farmers’ selling price should also be good, assuming there’s no distortion in the field. Just check it on the ground, ask the farmers directly about the price of paddy. Before, it was Rp4,200, and now it’s Rp6,000. That’s the price of paddy, not rice. From that alone, you can see. Check the NTP (Farmer’s Exchange Rate) on the ground, see how much it is. I think that’s all.

Journalist:

Excuse me, Mr. President. Paser Regency is a supporting area for the new capital city of Nusantara, has the central government already implemented programs related to agricultural development?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Everything is being prepared. Nusantara itself isn’t finished yet, maybe in 10 or 15 years. That means the provinces around Nusantara, the regencies and cities around Nusantara, have to prepare themselves. For example, where will the vegetable supply come from, where will the chicken supply come from, where will the rice supply come from? If it’s not enough, it means we’ll have to get it from other provinces. But if possible, it should be prepared from East Kalimantan Province itself, supported by the regencies around the Nusantara, whether it’s fruit, vegetables, rice, or other basic goods. This will truly provide economic benefits to the community. But if we look at the growth, the economic growth in East Kalimantan Province, you can ask Governor of East Kalimantan later. Then, in the regencies and cities like in Balikpapan, for example, how much is it? I’m sure the growth is not small.

Journalist:

Sir, it’s said that Prabowo has 44 ministries, is that true?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Ask the Elected President. Why are you asking me?

Journalist:

Isn’t 44 ministries too much, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Ask the elected president. That’s the prerogative of the elected president since the mandate has been given to them by the people.

(AS/EP)