Self-supporting in rice

Self-supporting in rice

From Republika

I am of the opinion that we should be self-supporting in rice
and must preserve the rice fields. In fact, agricultural land
must be increased because the need for rice is increasing as a
result of an increase in population.

But the reverse has happened. We have all noticed that in some
regions like Tangerang, Bekasi, Serang and even Karawang (known
as the rice granary for West Java) the size of rice fields is
decreasing, making room for housing complexes and industries. So
why don't we stop this trend. If we need more houses we can build
multi-story houses on unproductive land.

As for industrial areas we should find barren land, or better
yet, find land outside Java. The eastern part of Indonesia would
be good and also corresponds to the government's program to
develop that area.

A. HAMID ALIMUN

Jakarta