Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at Jailolo People’s Market West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province, 28 September 2022

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Copra is one of commodities sold in a price mostly determined by international [market]. The Government hardly intervenes in the fluctuation of a commodity’s price, for instance, CPO [crude palm oil]. CPO’s price has plummeted because it is an international commodity. [It is] similar to copra because the commodity is sold at the free market.

I’ve met some people complaining about that as well. I will check the problem in detail. If the Government can intervene – it is still not possible to intervene the market – then we cannot intervene market mechanism. Earlier, the farmers told me that copra’s price has dropped. Commodities’ prices can go up or go down. Currently, the [prices] of coal, CPO, and nickel are increasing. This time, the price of copra has fallen. It is not certain whether it will increase again or not because the world situation is uncertain.

Reporter

(audio is inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Why do I go to West Halmahera regency? To see firsthand the infrastructure, as well as matters related to international trade, one of which is the copra market. North Maluku province’s economic growth will definitely be above the national average with mining industry that has transformed from raw material supplier to smelter, including in Ternate. I have checked that Ternate’s economic growth is already above 7 [percent], while national economic growth is only 5.2 [percent]. The favorable condition of each regency, city, and province must be well-maintained. I have not compared it yet with other provinces, but North Maluku is probably one of the provinces with the highest economic growth.

I haven’t checked to the central bank Bank Indonesia on the economic growth of West Halmahera, but by seeing the market, I think the [growth] is also above the national growth.

Reporter

(audio is inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

In this country, from Sabang city to Merauke town, there are 514 regencies/cities with remote islands. In the west side, for example, there are Nias island, Simeulue regency, Mentawai islands and also Bangka Belitung islands. In the east, too, yesterday, we visited Southwest Maluku. They all need roads. Why do I carry out inspection? To make sure of the things that you have asked about; how the real condition is; and how the economic condition is.

Reporter

(audio is inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Just propose it to the team. There’s a team (to manage it). Later, when it is submitted to me, what was the name? (Inaudible) I will check it later. It has not been submitted to me yet. I have heard and listened. The last process is usually on my table. (YC/AW/EP)