Prabowo targets global supremacy for 10 commodities: Ministry

Sukabumi, West Java (ANTARA) - Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono stated that President Prabowo Subianto aims for Indonesia to become the world's superior producer of 10 agricultural commodities by increasing productivity, supported by research, financing, and development using modern technology.

"The president has instructed the agriculture minister to prepare 10 commodities for us to become the world's superior producer," he stated on Friday (May 9).

He listed nutmeg, coconut, palm oil, rubber, coffee, cocoa, pepper, and garlic among these commodities.

"We are pursuing efforts to become self-sufficient, meaning stopping our imports and exporting our produce. That is our goal," he remarked.

According to Sudaryono, superior commodities such as coffee, cocoa, and certain refreshing plants have significant export potential, although their productivity per hectare remains lower than in other countries such as Vietnam.

President Prabowo is reportedly targeting Indonesian plantation commodities to lead global production and exports. However, Sudaryono did not elaborate on the other two remaining commodities.

In addition to targeting self-sufficiency in rice, corn, consumer sugar, and consumer salt, Sudaryono stated that the government is also preparing downstreaming initiatives for the agro sector to increase the added value of agricultural products and expand export markets.

He remarked that an investment and financing scheme is being prepared to support the national rejuvenation program for plantation crops such as coffee, palm oil, and coconut.

"We are currently calculating the amount of the investment needed," he stated.

The deputy minister emphasized that the infrastructure and research results are already in place and are awaiting commitment to implement the strategic steps that have been designed.

"We are also preparing the modules. At least in the fourth quarter of this year, we can start rejuvenating coffee, palm oil, and coconut. We will be working on the yield, the ability to harvest, and others," he stated.