Indonesia to limit cassava, tapioca imports to aid farmers

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government will limit the import of cassava and tapioca into the country to support domestic farmers.

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan stated on Friday that his ministry would request data regarding the harvest volumes of cassava farmers and any existing shortages in the country before approving imports.

He emphasized that this action is crucial to prevent foreign cassava products from negatively impacting local farmers' harvests.

"We have made a decision. We are awaiting a letter from the Minister of Agriculture, and then we will convey it to the Minister of Trade, who will regulate it through a ministerial regulation," he explained.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono stated that the volume of cassava imports must be regulated to protect local products.

In addition, regulations are needed for the import of tapioca and wheat to ensure the prosperity of local farmers.

"Tapioca and wheat imports will also be regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade," Sudaryono affirmed.

Earlier, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed the government's commitment to stopping the import of rice, corn, and salt by the end of 2025 as part of the push for food self-sufficiency.

"We must be able to feed all Indonesian people without imports," he remarked on Wednesday.

Prabowo expressed optimism that national food self-sufficiency could be achieved earlier than the initial target of four years.