Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia following the Inspection of Sugarcane Planting in Mojokerto Regency, East Java Province, November 4, 2022

Journalist
Mr. President, could you tell us your opinion after inspecting the sugarcane field?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
On sugarcane, we have started something new. We use brand new variety. Earlier, Dr. Plinio Nastari (Brazilian sugarcane researcher) said that nitrate fertilizer and potash fertilizer are not needed considering that the soil quality here is fertile. This is very excellent.

Moreover, the sugarcane planed in 26 days showed a significant result. Usually in Brazil, the sugarcane grows two trunks, while in Indonesia it grows four or five trunks. It’s amazing. Therefore, we have said earlier that if we can provide 700 thousand hectares of land,we can achieve national sugar self-sufficiency in five years ahead. And I will provide 700 hectares of land. As of today, there is only 180 thousand hectares of land for sugarcane plantation, while we need 700 thousand hectares. I will prepare it.

Journalist
Will the provided land be spread all over Indonesia?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
East Java province is a perfect land for sugarcane cultivation. Central Java and West Java provinces are also the same. Later, we will encourage other regions outside Java island considering 700 thousand hectares of land is not a small area. But I will do my best to provide it.

Journalist
The next question, Sir, after achieving sugar self-sufficiency, what does it have to do with energy security?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
After achieving sugar self-sufficiency, the sugarcane can be refined through molasses process or it can be produced into sugar-based ethanol which can be started from E5. After that, we can produce E10, E20. Like we have done with oil palms. From B20 to B30. We have found the way. The implementation must be well-monitored. (AP/HD/LW)