Govt to prioritize agricultural sector
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)