Allow Rice Exports, Prabowo: Don't Too Look For Big Profits

Indonesian President Prabowo (Photo: Doc. VOI)

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto gave permission to export rice to other countries because national rice production was considered more than sufficient. He conveyed this at the launch of the Indonesia Menanam Movement (Gerina) program in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, Wednesday, April 23.

"With the calculation that we have very sufficient production, there are several countries that have approached us. I received reports from the Minister of Agriculture, the Coordinating Minister for Food, several countries asked us to send rice to them, I allowed it and I ordered them to send rice," he said in the Presidential Secretariat's Youtube broadcast.

Although export permits were granted, the Head of State reminded not to take big profits. Most importantly, the funds used for production, transportation, and back-to-capital administration.

"If necessary, on humanitarian grounds, we should not make too much profit. The important thing is that the cost of production, plus transportation, plus administration is back," continued Prabowo.

Prabowo wants to prove to other countries that Indonesia can help not become a begging country. "We prove that Indonesia is now a nation, not a begging. But a nation that can help and give to other countries," he said.

Malaysia Asks For Rice Imports To Indonesia

Previously, the Malaysian Government through the Minister of Agriculture and Food Insurance, Datuk Seri Mohammad bin Sabu submitted a request for cooperation to Indonesia to strengthen food security, especially in terms of rice supply.

This is because the current price of rice in Malaysia is quite high due to a lack of supply. Malaysia is currently only able to meet around 40-50 percent of the national needs and the rest comes from imports.

"We really need rice, for that we come to Indonesia asking for help. We also want to learn from Indonesia how they can succeed in producing rice so that currently Indonesia's rice is abundant," said Datuk Seri Mohammad after meeting with Indonesian Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman in Jakarta, Tuesday, April 22.

Responding to the request, the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that currently, he still prioritizes national food security and ensures that stock availability is safe.

There is a demand for rice from Malaysia to us. However, in the meantime, we must maintain the availability and security of domestic stocks first. National food security is a top priority. After that is achieved, then we can consider further support for friendly countries," he explained.