PT SGN Optimistic Ratoon Clearing Programme Will Accelerate Sugar Self-Sufficiency
Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) — The President Director of PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (SGN), Mahmudi, is optimistic that the ratoon removal programme running since 2025 will be able to accelerate the achievement of the national sugar self-sufficiency target.
“The target for consumption sugar self-sufficiency was previously projected to be achieved by 2028. However, with government support through various strategic programmes (including ratoon removal), we are optimistic that this target can be brought forward,” he said in a statement in Surabaya on Monday.
As a state-owned enterprise operating in the sugar sector, Mahmudi stressed that PT SGN is ready to fully support the government’s strategic measures to strengthen the national sugar industry.
Various productivity improvement programmes, plant rejuvenation, and the strengthening of farmer financing are believed to be important foundations towards national food self-sufficiency.
Moreover, the ratoon removal effort is being accompanied by other strategic steps, such as strengthening the sugar industry ecosystem through the release of superior sugarcane varieties and the special Sugarcane Cluster People’s Business Credit (KUR) policy with a flat interest rate of 6 per cent.
Through this scheme, Mahmudi said, farmers can access financing of up to Rp500 million to support the development of their farming businesses and improve productivity.
According to him, government support has also delivered tangible results in improving national sugarcane productivity, including President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Malang Regency, East Java, to lead the simultaneous sugarcane harvest across 43 locations throughout Indonesia.
He further assured that PT SGN will continue to strengthen collaboration with the government, farmers, and all stakeholders in raising sugarcane productivity, accelerating plant rejuvenation, and driving the realisation of consumption sugar self-sufficiency in support of Indonesia’s food security.