Let's reduce sugar consumption<\/p>\n
From Bisnis Indonesia<\/p>\n
Granulated sugar consumption has been increasing because
\nalmost everybody likes the sweet taste of sugar. Unfortunately,
\ndomestic granulated sugar production is not compatible with the
\nrising demand for the commodity and we have forced to import it
\nand pay for it in foreign currency.<\/p>\n
Fifteen years ago we imported only 500,000 tons of granulated
\nsugar every year. Now we need to import 1,300,000 tons. If one
\nton of granulated sugar costs between US$300 and $350, Indonesia
\nmust spend over $400 million on sugar imports every year.<\/p>\n
The trouble now is that it is very difficult to get foreign
\nexchange and the solution to this problem will clearly depend on
\nhow we deal with the monetary crisis.<\/p>\n
We need sugar but of course we could reduce our consumption of
\nsugar to a minimum without affecting the nutritional quality of
\nour food intake because carbohydrates can be obtained from
\nsources other than sugar, such as rice, corn and cassava.<\/p>\n
At this juncture allow me to suggest to the government that
\npriority should be given to ensuring that rice is available in
\nsufficient quantity and at a price affordable to people in lower
\nincome brackets.<\/p>\n
Indonesia's average annual granulated sugar output is 2.2
\nmillion tons. This country has a population of around 202 million
\npeople, so this means that each of person can consume roughly 11
\nkilograms of domestically produced sugar every year. If this
\nregime was adhered to it would not be necessary to import any
\nsugar.<\/p>\n
Sugar can cause tooth decay, particularly in children, and can
\nmake adults obese, which in turn is a source of various ailments.<\/p>\n
Therefore, for the sake of our own physical health and the
\nsoundness of our foreign exchange reserves, allow me to call on
\nall Indonesians to reduce their sugar intake. Please don't queue
\nto buy, at a reduced price, sugar which we pay for at great cost
\nin foreign currency.<\/p>\n
Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a trained
\nphysician, has called on his people to reduce their sugar intake.
\nWhen will our leaders do likewise?<\/p>\n
SUNARTO PRAWIROSUJANTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/lets-reduce-sugar-consumption-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }