Rachmat Gobel Supports Innovation Of Cassava Noodles As A Substitute For Rare Wheat Due To The Russia Vs Ukraine War: Tastes Delicious, Soft, Comfortable On The Stomach

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives for the Coordination of Industry and Development (Korinbang) Rachmat Gobel supports the innovation of noodles made from cassava amid the threat of world food availability, especially wheat, due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"It tastes good, soft, and also healthy. It's comfortable in the stomach," he said after enjoying two servings of noodles made from cassava at the DPR Building, Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, July 27.

The written statement states that Rachmat Gobel enjoyed a serving of cup noodles and then he enjoyed a serving of noodle sachets. Member of Commission XI DPR RI Charles Meikyansyah and Member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Subardi also enjoyed the noodle dish made from cassava.

They accepted the management of the Indonesian Hajj Brotherhood Association (IPHI) led by Ismed Hasan Putro, who produces noodles made from cassava under the brand name Mie Haji.

"This innovation should be welcomed with joy. Moreover, it is promoted as healthy noodles," said the former Trade Minister.

So far, continued Rachmat Gobel, the public is more familiar with noodles made from wheat. "In the midst of climate change and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, this innovation of locally made noodles has a strategic meaning. Because the world is faced with the problem of food availability," he said.

The use of local raw materials, he continued, would be good for farmers and have an impact on the national economy, as well as affect economic equity, and would help MSMEs to supply various other supporting materials.

"I hope this can be imitated by other instant noodle producers to switch to using local raw materials," said Rachmat Gobel.

According to him, in the future food will face problems due to climate change and also due to global conflicts. Currently, he continued, the prices of food needs are soaring due to shortages in supply due to crop failures and distribution difficulties due to conflicts between countries.

Therefore, he said, self-sufficiency in food supply is a must. "The issue of food sovereignty is a strategic issue that must be a concern for all of us," said Rachmat Gobel.

Indonesia is the second largest instant noodle consumer in the world after China. Based on data from the World Instant Noodles Association, in 2021 the consumption of instant noodles in Indonesia will reach 13.27 billion packs. Meanwhile, based on BPS data, on average in a year each Indonesian population consumes 48 packs of instant noodles. This shows that the market share of instant noodles in Indonesia is very large.

On that occasion, Rachmat Gobel suggested to include cooperatives so that the community could participate as investors. "Get used to involving the community in the form of cooperatives," he said. In addition, he stated to grow slowly and not in a hurry.