REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, GROBOGAN -- Central Java province must become a pioneer of food sovereignty for other provinces in Indonesia, Governor Ganjar Pranowo said.

"Central Java must become a pioneer or food sovereignty. Why should we import salt," Ganjar said on the sidelines of a function marking the conclusion of the Indonesian military's community service program at Karangsari village, Brati sub-district, Grobogan district, Central Java, on Wednesday.

He said two-thirds of Indonesia's territory are made up of waters but the country is still unable to meet salt needs at a national level.

"Unfortunately, we are still unable to meet salt needs and in the near future, the government will import salt. Nearly 75 thousand tons of salt import will be delivered on December 10, 2017," he said. 

In response to a shortage of salt production, Central Java particularly its northern coastal areas plan to produce salt, he said.

"We will try to produce salt in all of our northern coastal areas. We will also see salt which is made of other than sea water. The water from Bleduk Kuwu (a crater of mud) in Grobogan will be turned into specific salt," he said.

Central Java is the second largest salt producer in the country after East Java but it is still unable to contribute to national salt production, he said.

"That's why the government must take prompt action or policy to address the problem by, among others, uniting academics, business people and the government," he added. 

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