Malang, East Java, Indonesia, ABIM (30/4/2021)  – After meeting representatives of the families of 53 crew members of KRI Nanggala 402 submarine in Sidoarjo regency, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (29/04/2021) headed to Kanigoro village in Pagelaran sub-district, Malang regency to inspect rice transplanting, harvesting, and milling process in the village.

The President said he wanted to ensure rice production and harvesting activities so that it could fulfill public needs all over Indonesia.

The Head of State added that if the stock were available and could be correctly calculated, rice imports were not necessary anymore, adding that the calculation must be fixed as it concerns dietary needs of all people.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also said he was informed that there is one hectare of rice field that is planted with IPB 3S variety, a pest-resistant paddy variety developed by the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) and can produce up to 12 tons of grain.

“This is a very good result and later I will follow up with the IPB to develop it in greater quantity so that our food security, our food sovereignty can be achieved without importing rice from other countries,” the President remarked.

After having a discussion with local farmers, President Jokowi further said that it also is necessary to provide agricultural equipment and machinery to optimize cultivating rice fields.

Also attending the event were Chairman of the Indonesian Parliament Puan Maharani, Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Head of Bulog Budi Waseso, Governor of East Java Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and Malang Regent H.M. Sanusi. (ABIM)