Minister Of Agriculture Amran Reminds Industry Players Not To Zalimize Farmers

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

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman reminded industry players not to wrong farmers by choosing to import cassava products from abroad compared to domestic ones.

"We heard this in Lampung regarding the price of cassava. We will invite, we will invite industry, invite farmers. We ask importers, do not abuse farmers," said the Minister of Agriculture in a written statement, quoted by Antara, Saturday, January 25.

The Minister of Agriculture emphasized that he would take firm action against cassava importers who prefer cassava products from abroad rather than local farmers.

"Importors should not think of as invaders. Industries that prefer products from other countries than within the country are doubtful about their patriotism. The sign is that they love foreign farmers more," he said.

Amran also reminded that the parties who abuse farmers will be dealt with. This is because the government of President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized the protection and welfare of farmers or the small people.

"Punishing farmers, wronging the Indonesian people is a traitor to the nation," he also said.

The response was conveyed by the Minister of Agriculture after learning of the protests by thousands of farmers in Lampung to the tapoka flour processing plant. The protest action was triggered by the low price of cassava which was allegedly due to imports from outside.

Thousands of cassava farmers from seven districts in Lampung stormed the tapioka processing plant on Thursday (23/1). They demanded that the company immediately apply the cassava price according to the agreed Joint Decree (SKB), which is IDR 1,400 per kilogram.

According to a study by the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU), imports of Tapoka are one of the causes of the low purchase price of cassava in Lampung Province.