KOLAKA - Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) said rice stocks were safe so there was no need to import. This is because several regions in Indonesia, including East Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, have already harvested.
"All have been harvested, all have been overstock (rice), and what are the questions for imports?" he said on the sidelines of harvesting rice fields covering an area of 4,000 hectares in Gunung Jaya Village, Ladongi District, East Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, Antara, Sunday, November 6.
With this condition, Indonesia does not need to import rice. "Therefore, if the question was still needed, would imports be needed? I don't think we are crazy to say that we still need to import while harvesting the people, who will buy it later," he said.
With a safe stock of rice, it can meet domestic needs. Even so, he invites that in buying rice, farmers are not questioned if the price is quite expensive.
"And if it is made from Indonesia from the Indonesian people, maybe it is a little more expensive, it's okay, that's what the president said. It's about helping the people," said the Minister of Agriculture.
He said that currently the rice barns in Indonesia are also increasing from nine provinces to 15 provinces, but he did not specify the 15 provinces. The Minister of Agriculture also said that Southeast Sulawesi would also be part of a food barn in Eastern Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture continued, currently there are not many sorting areas or red areas, only a few areas in Papua and Riau because in Riau Province there are more developing palm oil and rubber plants.
"Now our sorting area is like that. The yellow area can be self-sufficient but has not contributed, there are approximately 10 to 11 regions. This means that he himself can but has not contributed to our surplus. But our surplus area is already above 15 (provinces) now from 34 regions (provinces)," said Syahrul Yasin Limpo.
Southeast Sulawesi Governor Ali Mazi said that currently his area is generally in a state of rice surplus. However, he admitted that his party had no plans to export
"Of course there are plans for exports to countries that approximately need it, but while we are dealing with national needs first," he said.
According to Ali Mazi, maintaining national food needs is very important and is a priority at this time to control inflation in the future.
"So we have to prevent it (inflation). So if there is any left, we will export it, but at this time we prioritize national needs," said Ali Mazi.
Ali Mazi added that currently Southeast Sulawesi has launched an area to become a rice supply rice barn for Indonesia.
"I convey to the regents, especially the regents who have rice fields such as East Kolaka, Bombana Konawe and South Konawe, including parts in Kolaka Regency, we have planned that hopefully in 2023 we will start moving," said Ali Mazi.
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