REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman said collaboration with SOE Pangan is an effort to strengthen food security and improve the welfare of farmers in Indonesia. In a meeting with a number of key directors of SOE Pangan, Amran stressed the importance of synergy and mutually beneficial collaboration between the two parties.
“We just had a discussion with state-owned food companies. We want collaboration, positive synergies, mutual benefits. One example is SOEs like Sang Hyang Seri that have land, have potential, seeds, rice, up to 100 thousand tons as we need. Its value may be Rp 2-3 trillion, but so far it has not been optimal. So we will collaborate,” said Amran at the Ministry of Agriculture office, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/10/2024).
In the discussion, Amran also highlighted the important role of Perum Bulog in strengthening national food reserves and maintaining price stability for farmers. Amran stressed this was very influential on the gains or losses suffered by farmers.
“Reserves should we strengthen, then off-takers for rice, corn, and so on. This really has to be well looked after, because it is very decisive for our farmers, loss or profit. If we want self-sufficiency, we must keep our farmers in a position of profit,” Amran said.
Amran also discussed plans for increased production by PTPN, especially for palm and sugar commodities. Amran asked PTPN to create the best orchard clusters, especially for sugar cane, with the aim of improving the quality and value of production.
“Highest production, best production, best foreman, best equipment. So that we get the highest value. It becomes a giant lab or a giant lab later,” Amran said.
The meeting is a follow-up operational step from previous discussions between Agriculture Minister and SOE Minister Erick Thohir. Amran reiterated his commitment to continue pushing for real steps with state-owned Food.
“Mr Erick and I agreed last week. Then now it is operational by direct directors. Maybe we'll see you again next week. What are the operational steps to improve the performance of state-owned Food with a record of positive synergy collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture,” Amran said.
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