Jokowi: The Presence Of The Amonium Nitrat Factory In Bontang, East Kalimantan Can Encourage Food Independence

President Jokowi (Photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that the construction of an amonium nitrate factory in the Bontang area, East Kalimantan, was very beneficial for Indonesia.

This is because factories with an investment value of IDR 1.2 trillion can encourage food independence through domestic fertilizer production.

"So, there are not many raw materials imported from outside, so if we import a country with problems, here it is not a problem," said Jokowi after the inauguration of the museumium nitrate PT Kaltim Amonium Nitrat (KAN) as seen on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Thursday, February 29.

The aluminum nitrate is a chemical commonly used for the manufacture of NPK fertilizers and explosives.

Until now, Indonesia has only been able to meet the needs of domestic nitric amonium by 79 percent. Meanwhile, the remaining 21 percent must be supplied from imports.

Jokowi said the Bontang nitrate amonium factory could reduce the demand for 8 percent of imports. Thus, there is still 13 percent of the need for an amonium nitrate that is still supplied from imports.

"The remaining 13 percent can be completed as well. So, 100 percent of the raw materials for the NPK are in it. This will ensure that we can complete the fertilizer products ourselves in the country," he said.

Furthermore, Jokowi said that the presence of the factory is expected to boost agricultural production in the country.

"And if possible, the remaining 21 percent is reduced by 8 percent because it has been produced by PT Kaltim Amonium Nitrat. The remaining 13 percent can still be resolved," he said.