Mentan Emphasizes Readiness to Accelerate Cane Renovation for Sugar Self-sufficiency

Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman. (Photo: Dok. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that he was ready to accelerate the national sugarcane rejuvenation program to realize sugar self-sufficiency in two years as the target given by President Prabowo Subianto.

"We are ready to carry out the President's instructions. All the ranks of the Ministry of Agriculture will work as hard as possible with the local government, SOEs, the business world, and farmers so that the target of self-sufficiency in sugar in two years can be realized," said the Minister of Agriculture, in a written statement, quoted by Antara, Monday, July 20.

He said that the rejuvenation of sugar cane was carried out through the modernization of cultivation, increased productivity, the use of superior seeds, agricultural mechanization, and strengthening partnerships with farmers and the sugar industry.

According to him, this acceleration is a strategic step to increase national sugar production, reduce import dependence, and improve the welfare of sugarcane farmers.

The Minister of Agriculture emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture would continue to monitor the acceleration of the sugarcane rejuvenation program as part of efforts to realize sugar self-sufficiency, strengthen national food security, and increase the added value and welfare of sugarcane farmers throughout Indonesia.

President Prabowo Subianto targets Indonesia to be able to achieve self-sufficiency in sugar in two years. This target is faster than the initial projection of four years and is part of the acceleration of the government's agenda in strengthening national food independence.

The target was conveyed by the President when attending the National Harvest in the framework of the TNI Supporting the National Food Security Program in Malang Regency, East Java, Friday, July 17.

The President revealed that Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman had previously reported a sugarcane rejuvenation program of 100 thousand hectares per year which was projected to be able to realize sugar self-sufficiency in four years. However, after discussing, the Minister of Agriculture stated that the target could be accelerated to two years.

Hearing this commitment, the President expressed his appreciation to the Minister of Agriculture in front of the thousands of participants who attended.

"Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture reported to me that our program now is 100 thousand hectares per year. Thus, it will be achieved in four years. But, after I asked him again, with courage and courage he said, 'Sir, we can do it in two years'," said President Prabowo.

The President then delivered a special message to the Minister of Agriculture, which was immediately greeted with applause from the participants.

"I said it was good, but don't go to the Minister of Agriculture's hospital. Promise, two years but You don't go to the hospital. The country and the nation still need you," said the President.

The President emphasized that the acceleration of sugar self-sufficiency is part of the government's major strategy to strengthen national independence. After successfully achieving the target of food self-sufficiency, the government is now moving towards energy self-sufficiency and strengthening water resilience.

"Our target for food self-sufficiency has been achieved. Now our energy self-sufficiency is on the way. Water self-sufficiency is being pioneered, so that all our people have access to clean water and water for plants," he said.

The President also appreciated the hard work of all levels of government, the TNI, the National Police, ministries, agencies, local governments, and farmers who continue to work to support various national strategic programs.

"I am proud to see the hard work of all elements. Ministers, TNI Commanders, National Police Chief, all work quickly, do not know rest. In fact, many high-ranking officials of the country collapsed and went to the hospital because they worked hard," said the President.

According to the President, this hard work was carried out to accelerate the realization of public welfare and prove that Indonesia is able to stand on its own feet.

"We are pursuing the target because the people have been living for too long a life that is not appropriate for a big and rich country like Indonesia. We will prove to the world that the Indonesian nation is rising with our own strength. No other nation will build Indonesia other than ourselves," said the Head of State.