VP Gibran promises follow-up on cassava farmers' concerns

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting cassava farmers, highlighting a regulation restricting cassava imports to help maintain stable domestic prices.

"I believe maintaining price stability depends on regulatory measures. A regulation restricting imports of cassava and its derivative products is already in place," he said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday, referring to a 2025 regulation issued by the Trade Minister.

Gibran reiterated the government's support for the agricultural sector during a dialogue with representatives of 33 farmer groups in East Lampung District, Lampung Province, on Wednesday (July 15).

"Today, I came to Lampung specifically to observe the cassava sector because there are still challenges and ongoing issues surrounding this commodity," he said.

He emphasized that the government is working to expand Indonesia's food self-sufficiency beyond rice, stressing that similar progress is needed for other strategic commodities, including cassava.

According to the vice president, his visit to Lampung was intended to directly identify the challenges faced by cassava farmers.

During the dialogue, Gibran listened to farmers' concerns, including requests to review the government's cassava reference price, provide agricultural machinery and equipment, improve road infrastructure to support crop distribution, and expand access to fertilizers.

In response, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing appropriate policies to maintain price stability and safeguard farmers' interests nationwide.

He cited the cassava import restriction as one of the government's measures to support domestic producers.

Gibran also assured participants that their concerns would be followed up through coordination with the relevant ministries and government agencies.

"Regarding the reference price, we will discuss it soon with the relevant senior officials," he added.

The vice president expressed confidence that the government would be able to stabilize cassava prices while improving farmers' welfare across the country.

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Translator: Prisca Violleta, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Primayanti

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