Gapmmi Boss Suddenly Meets Minister Of Industry Agus, What Was Discussed?

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Beverage Food Producers (Gapmmi) Adhi S. Lukman suddenly came to the office of the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin), Jakarta, today.

Adhi reported to the Minister of Industry (Menperin) Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita regarding the salt stock for the food and beverage (mamin) industry which is currently running low.

This is based on the fact that the government has stopped some of the industrial salt imports for the food and beverage sector.

"Incidentally, we went to the Minister (Agus Gumiwang) because (Ministry) of Industry, right, as the parent of the food industry as well, yes. So, basically I reported related to the availability of raw materials, especially salt," said Adhi to reporters, Wednesday, January 15.

"So now, right, the handling is handled at the office of the Coordinating Ministry for Food. The Coordinating Ministry for Food has created a commodity balance and so on," he continued.

Starting, Adhi said there was a discourse from local producers to supply salt in the food industry. However, he said, there are differences in quality which ultimately has an impact on production activities.

"But, earlier I reported to the Minister (Agus Gumiwang) that after trying out local raw materials, it turned out that business actors, especially those who really needed special specs, could not use them," he said.

Therefore, said Adhi, strong collaboration is needed between associations and the government to find a solution to this problem.

Moreover, he continued, several companies have reported to Gapmmi that there is a shortage of raw materials.

"We also received notifications from salt producers that were unable to enter as of January, February and March. So, this is very urgent, it must be handled," said Adhi.

"I really hope that we don't have to import, but how do we find solutions. If domestically it is not available, of course we must have a solution so that the food industry does not stop," he concluded.

Referring to Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 126 of 2022 concerning National Trade Development, salt imports are only given to the Chlor Alkali Plant (CAP) industry. So far, Indonesia has imported 2.9 million tons of salt from the total salt requirement of 4.9 million tons per year.