VOINews, Kuala Lumpur: Indonesia is committed to strengthening its bilateral relations with Malaysia by focusing on strategic cooperation in the food sector, Arief Prasetyo Adi, Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), stated during the "International Food Security in Indonesia and Malaysia" seminar, held at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on October 11. This collaboration aims to address food security issues in both countries and support regional stability in food supplies.
"Indonesia is dedicated to reinforcing its relations with Malaysia, particularly in the trade of food commodities. By building a stronger partnership, we can work towards greater food security in the region," Adi said, addressing attendees of the seminar, which was organized by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Alumni.
Adi highlighted the need for an efficient market mechanism that would better support the food supply chain between the two neighboring countries. This would involve not only enhancing trade but also improving logistics, production, and distribution strategies to ensure a sustainable food supply for both nations.
The Indonesian government, he noted, is optimistic about expanding the bilateral food trade to benefit both countries. "We are looking forward to growing this cooperation, especially in the exchange of essential commodities like rice and shallots. By increasing the trade volume of such items, Indonesia and Malaysia can complement each other's food needs and enhance regional food security," Adi explained.
This cooperative effort also highlights the role of the people in fostering stronger ties between the two countries, which share cultural and historical roots. Adi pointed out that, while Indonesia imports certain food commodities from Malaysia, it also exports its surplus food products, allowing for a mutually beneficial trade relationship.
"Indonesia is strategically positioned to assess the balance between available food supplies and the demand for staple products. We carefully calculate what is needed and what we can offer in surplus. This way, when we implement import policies, they are based on thorough calculations that take into account the well-being of our farmers," Adi remarked.
The cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia in the food sector is part of a larger vision to address food security issues in Southeast Asia. Both countries aim to ensure that food supplies are adequate, affordable, and accessible to their populations. Adi stressed that this collaboration would help stabilize prices and reduce dependence on imports from outside the region.
This initiative aligns with the broader goal of President-elect Prabowo Subianto to achieve food self-sufficiency for Indonesia within four years after taking office on October 20. Prabowo has made food security a key priority, aiming to ensure that Indonesia can meet its own food needs without relying heavily on imports. Adi reiterated that Bapanas is fully committed to supporting this vision through strategic partnerships with neighboring countries like Malaysia.
Through continued cooperation and careful planning, Indonesia and Malaysia are working towards a future where regional food security is strengthened, benefiting both countries and their people./ANTARA/VOI
