VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian Minister of Agriculture, Syahrul Yasin Limpo encourages a long-term economic recovery framework for the ASEAN region and the world as a whole, especially in the food and forestry sectors. He emphasized that recovery needs to be carried out, considering the food sector is a major need that must be guarded together, especially in the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic. The move to formulate the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework is proof of Indonesia's seriousness in creating a healthy and productive ASEAN. This was stated by Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Momon Rusmono when representing the Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo at the 42nd ASEAN Minister of Agriculture and Forestry virtual meeting hosted by Cambodia on Thursday (22/10).

Momon Rusmono further stated that so far, the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture has played an active role in achieving regional and global food security, particularly in the framework of ASEAN cooperation. In fact, the government continues to encourage the important role of the agricultural sector in creating jobs in rural areas and increasing the income of farmer families. He emphasized that the role of farmers in fulfilling food for more than 273 million Indonesians is very vital. He also added that currently, the Ministry of Agriculture has also implemented a four-way policy in order to maintain food availability in the new normal era. One of them is by increasing production capacity and food reserves. There is also diversification of local food based on local wisdom and utilizing marginal land and yards as well as the development of modern agriculture. On the occasion, he asked for the participants to collaborate in tackling the pandemic and avoiding rivalry. The call is in line with President Joko Widodo's request at the 75th UN General Assembly. Momon Rusmono also emphasized that economic activity must gradually be carried out while still prioritizing health aspects. The virtual 42nd ASEAN Minister of Agriculture and Forestry meeting was preceded by a Senior Official Level meeting the day before.