Prabowo: Countries that once considered themselves superior are now buying rice from Indonesia
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto said that several countries that used to consider themselves superior are now coming to Indonesia to buy rice in the midst of the global food crisis.
The President made the statement at the inauguration of 1,061 Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives (KDKMP) in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, on Saturday, which was monitored online via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
“Now many countries are asking to buy rice from us. Our neighbors, those who consider themselves superior to us, are now coming to Indonesia, asking if they can buy rice,” said Prabowo.
Prabowo said that several countries had asked for permission to buy rice from Indonesia after a number of producing countries stopped exporting food.
According to Prabowo, a number of countries eventually came to Indonesia to request rice supplies. The President said that the government would still help countries in need by selling rice, but the selling price must still be profitable for Indonesian farmers.
“I said, give it to them. If they need it, we must help. We sell to them, but the price must be reasonable. Don’t let our farmers be the victims. The price must be at least slightly profitable. Mr. Amran (Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman), Director General of Bulog, don’t sell it too cheaply. Don’t undercut, but don’t sell it too cheaply,” said Prabowo.
The President also asked that the sale of rice not be done too cheaply because the government must prioritize domestic food security in the face of a potential prolonged crisis.
The President also mentioned that there were countries that asked for price cuts in the purchase of rice from Indonesia in the midst of the current global crisis.
“So there are also those who want to buy rice, and then ask for a discount. A big discount, this is the global crisis,” he said.
According to him, the survival of the nation is not solely determined by lower prices, but by the availability of food itself.
Prabowo also said that the more secure national food situation makes Indonesia relatively more prepared to face various global crises.
In addition, Prabowo explained that his understanding of the importance of food was influenced by his background as a former soldier, commander, and military chief.
The President said that food needs were always the first thing checked before troops moved in military operations.
“Before we leave for operations, we check how much rice we have. If the troops don’t have rice, if the troops don’t eat, they can’t fight, my friends,” said Prabowo.