Kuala Lumpur, October 12, 2024 – The Europe Today: Indonesia is strengthening its bilateral relations with Malaysia through strategic cooperation in the food sector, Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Arief Prasetyo Adi announced during the “International Food Security in Indonesia and Malaysia” seminar, held at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
“Indonesia is committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Malaysia, particularly in food commodity trade,” Adi stated, emphasizing the importance of bolstering trade relations to ensure food security in both nations. He noted that enhancing cooperation in this area will contribute to a more efficient market mechanism and support the regional food supply chain.
Adi expressed optimism that the partnership between Indonesia and Malaysia will continue to grow, benefiting both countries. “By increasing the volume of trade, such as rice, shallots, and other food products, we can complement each other’s food needs in the region,” he added. The seminar was organized by the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Alumni, and participants discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in food security between the neighboring countries.
Adi also stressed the importance of public participation in encouraging cooperation, highlighting the shared cultural and historical roots of Indonesia and Malaysia. He mentioned that Indonesia imports certain food commodities while exporting surplus supplies, noting the country’s focus on balancing food availability and the needs of its population.
“We calculate how many strategic staple food products are available and how many we need,” Adi explained, adding that any decisions regarding imports are based on careful assessments, with consideration for the welfare of farmers.
This strategy aligns with the vision of food self-sufficiency set forth by President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who aims to restore Indonesia’s self-sufficiency in food within four years of his inauguration on October 20. The plan emphasizes the importance of ensuring stable food supplies while supporting domestic agricultural producers.
The seminar and its discussions further underscored the critical role that Indonesia-Malaysia cooperation plays in securing regional food security, promoting mutual benefit, and enhancing the overall economic stability of both nations.