Govt to prioritize agricultural sector
JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie said on Friday his government would prioritize the development of the agricultural sector due to its competitiveness in the world market and its relative strength in the economic crisis.
The President conceded the government had ignored the sector in the past despite its absorption of a huge labor force. The government gave inordinate attention to industrial development instead.
"However, facts show the industrial sector is very volatile (and easily influenced by) the monetary upheavals, because many of its raw materials still have to be imported," Habibie said in a meeting with 22 governors and 246 regents and mayors.
He summoned the officials to Jakarta to brief them on the government's strategy to boost intensification programs in agriculture, fishery and animal husbandry.
"Focusing attention on agricultural development is a part of our efforts to empower the people's welfare," he noted.
Often dubbed a technology czar, Habibie recently admitted that he had devoted too much attention to the development of sophisticated technology, including the aviation industry, during his 20-year tenure as state minister of research and technology under president Soeharto.
His high-cost projects often faced resistance from economic ministers, although Soeharto consistently supported him.
"We do not need to hesitate to admit that government officials are ordinary people who are not free from faults and blunders," Habibie said.
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), the agricultural sector was the only economic section which showed positive growth -- 0.26 percent -- in the first six months of the this year.
Foreign exchange earnings from fishery exports alone are expected to increase by 7.3 percent to US$2.04 billion this year from $1.9 billion last year.
In Friday's meeting, the President set five priorities in boosting agricultural production, encompassing the provision of cheap credit for farmers, the procurement of good quality seeds, fertilizers, and the development of rural cooperatives.
"I ask for your serious attention to seriously monitor irrigation, the procurement of seeds and fertilizer and the control of the prices of farm products," Habibie remarked.
Habibie also instructed the governors and regencies on leadership management.
"You must act as an orchestra conductor," Habibie said, adding that they would be expected to create harmony just like the leader of the musical ensemble.
"Otherwise you will create chaos."
Unfortunately, his well-intentioned words were lost on many of the participants, who were observed dozing off during the meeting. (prb)