Highlight The World Food Crisis, Jokowi: Alhamdulillah, We Don't Care About It

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo highlighted the food crisis that has hit almost all countries in the world.

According to him, the food crisis that occurred was caused by the high price of food commodities.

"Alhamdulillah, we here do not feel it," said President Joko Widodo in his remarks at the inauguration of the Pupuk Factory in Aceh, Friday, February 10.

Jokowi said, before inaugurating the fertilizer factory, he had visited the market in Lhoksumawe to monitor food prices. Based on his observations, food prices such as shallots tend to be stable and lower than prices elsewhere.

The price of rice and cooking oil is also monitored to be stable and there is no price increase.

"There are other places where the price is 20,000 more expensive than here but here it is well stable. Good rice, oil (fry) I see it well," he continued.

However, he reminded the public to remain vigilant because several countries have experienced a food crisis and a drastic price increase.

Jokowi continued, the food crisis was caused by two things, including climate change and fertilizer supply problems from Russia and Ukraine, which are still involved in geopolitical conflicts.

"The problem of fertilizer is due to war in Ukraine and Russia. The production of fertilizers in Ukraine and Russia is very large and it is shaking the agricultural side of almost all countries," he continued.

As a result, agricultural productivity decreased and resulted in a decrease in output, triggering price increases.

Even though Indonesia is not experiencing a food crisis, Jokowi continued, domestic fertilizer needs have not been met.

Just so you know, Indonesia's fertilizer needs are 13.5 million tons but only 3.5 million tons have been met.

"I have felt that lately, every time I go to the village every time I enter the fields, meeting the farmers is always conveyed, 'Sir, there is no fertilizer, the price of fertilizer is high," said Jokowi.

For this reason, Jokowi asked related parties to encourage domestic fertilizer production to balance the demand for community fertilizers.