Jokowi Asks To Beware Of Climate Change So As Not To Disturb The Grand Panen

President Joko Widodo delivered directions at the Plenary Cabinet Session at the State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (9/1/2024). (ANTARA/Yashinta Difa)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo asked ministries and institutions to be aware of the impacts of climate change in recent times that could hamper production from the planting and harvest season at the beginning of the year.

"Be aware of climate change which may disrupt the planned planting season and harvest season so that calculations regarding safe conditions, food strategic reserves are actually calculated," Jokowi said at the Plenary Cabinet Session at the State Palace. Jakarta reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 9.

Jokowi emphasized to the ranks of ministries and institutions the importance of planning food crop planting, and calculating production data in order to ensure the availability of foodstuffs earlier this year.

President Jokowi requested that food stocks and availability be properly maintained at the beginning of this year. The central government and local governments, he said, must monitor food stocks and prices in their respective regions and anticipate unwanted turmoil.

"Don't let scarcity and price increases occur, so once again this needs to really be monitored in every district, in every province so that the existing stock can be maintained and the price is affordable for the community," he said.

The President also asked energy commodities such as fuel oil (BBM) and gas to always be available in each region.

Jokowi reminded that there should not be a shortage of energy commodities that could trigger difficulties in the community and increase inflation.

"Do not let 1, 2, or 3 or more districts experience a shortage of gas due to disrupted distribution problems, for example, they must be monitored and viewed in detail," he said.

According to data from the Logistics Affairs Agency (Bulog), the government's rice reserve stock (CBP) in Bulog Warehouse at the beginning of this year was 1.6 million tons of rice. President Jokowi also previously pushed for the start of the planting season in December 2023 on a rice field area of 1.4 million hectares nationally, then January 2024 on 1.7 million hectares of land, and February 1.4 million hectares. The planting season process is to increase rice production in March-April 2024 or the main harvest season at the beginning of the year.