Amran's ultimatum to soybean importers: Play with prices, import permits for next year will be revoked

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman delivered a stern warning to soybean importers. In the midst of global turmoil due to the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States, the government will not tolerate excessive price increases.

Amran even emphasized that import permits could be revoked if there were business actors who took advantage of the situation to reap excessive profits.

The warning was delivered by Amran after reporting on the development of the agricultural sector to President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Thursday, June 18.

"We promise, if anyone raises it arbitrarily, I will make sure that the import permit does not come out for the following year. And that is our responsibility," said Amran.

According to Amran, geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East will certainly have an impact on global trade. However, the government asks business actors to maintain the stability of food supply and prices in the country.

Amran admitted that he had directly conveyed to the importers not to take excessive profits from commodities that still depend on foreign supplies.

"We ask entrepreneurs, don't take excessive profits. Please have empathy, have a sense of concern for our brothers and sisters," he said.

He emphasized that until now the government has not complicated the process of importing soybeans. Therefore, business actors are also asked to maintain a balance between business profits and public interests.

On the other hand, Amran said the condition of the national agricultural sector actually showed a positive trend. The value of agricultural exports increased to Rp. 166 trillion, while imports fell by Rp. 41 trillion.

The decrease in imports was mainly due to Indonesia no longer importing rice.

"Food must be available and the public must be calm," said Amran.

Soybean commodities are one of the government's concerns because they are still included in the three food commodities that are not fully self-sufficient, along with garlic and meat.