West Sumatra and Jakarta explore options for food security cooperation

The Government of West Sumatra Province, together with the Government of DKI Jakarta Province, is opening options for cooperation to strengthen food security, encompassing agriculture and livestock. “There are several options, it could be through regional-owned enterprises or directly through farmers in West Sumatra,” said West Sumatra Deputy Governor Vasko Ruseimy in Padang City on Tuesday. This was stated by Vasko Ruseimy after meeting with DKI Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno. In the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for cooperation in the fields of agriculture to livestock. Vasko himself welcomed the idea of cooperation. Moreover, West Sumatra has achieved food self-sufficiency, especially in rice. This means that the Minang Land is ready to establish cooperation with DKI Jakarta, particularly in the supply of rice. In addition, West Sumatra is also ready to become a supplier of shallots to Jakarta. This is further strengthened by the presence of Solok Regency as one of the national shallot centres. “We also have chocolate, coffee, and livestock that can be absorbed,” he said. He explained that the exploration of cooperation between the two parties would provide benefits. On one side, DKI Jakarta has sufficient fiscal strength or budget but is constrained by agricultural land. Meanwhile, West Sumatra Province has vast and potential land but is constrained by budget. Moreover, he said, world meteorological experts predict that Indonesia has the potential to be affected by the Godzilla El Niño phenomenon, which could impact the national agricultural sector. He believes that the fiscal strength possessed by DKI Jakarta can be collaborated with the agricultural and livestock resources owned by the Minang Land. So far, Jakarta has purchased rice from Cianjur and other regions due to limitations. “So, if there are several points that can supply, we will welcome it well,” he said.