InfoSAWIT, MAKASSAR – Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that Indonesia is ready to take firm action against countries attempting to disrupt the national palm oil industry. This statement was made during his speech at the Opening of the III General Assembly and the inauguration of three Regional IKA and two Faculty IKAs in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Friday, February 21.
Minister Amran revealed that he had recently met with the ambassadors of France and Russia to discuss various issues, including palm oil. He asserted that as long as the export of crude palm oil (CPO) faces obstacles from other countries, Indonesia will not fulfill their requests.
“We just received the French and Russian ambassadors. Four days ago, we discussed various matters, but I stressed that as long as our CPO is disturbed, we will not meet their demands. We must be firm,” Amran stated.
He also emphasized that environmental issues often associated with Indonesia's palm oil industry lack a strong basis. The government has been working hard to maintain environmental sustainability and improve forest conditions.
“We have fought hard to improve forests and the environment. We told them not to disturb us. If their interests are affected, they speak up, but when our interests are affected, we remain silent. Indonesia is too kind,” Amran said firmly.
As a concrete step, Minister Amran warned that if disturbances to the palm oil industry continue, Indonesia will halt the export of biofuels amounting to 5.3 million tons. He specifically highlighted Europe as a region that could be significantly impacted by this policy.
“If there are disturbances, we will stop the exports. Europe imports 2.3 million tons; we will stop it. Imagine the impact on their industry if the supply of CPO from Indonesia is halted,” he explained.
According to him, Indonesia has been importing around 5.3 million tons of raw materials for diesel production. If Indonesia withdraws the same volume from the global market, it will lead to significant changes in global CPO prices.
“If we reduce it by just 20 percent, the foreign exchange value could double. If we stop CPO, prices could rise by 100 percent, and we could earn Rp 450 trillion. If it doubles, it could reach Rp 1,000 trillion in foreign exchange,” he elaborated.
Amran is optimistic that this strategic move will lead Indonesia towards its goal of becoming a global food barn.
“If we control CPO, biofuels, and food, then our dream of making Indonesia a global food power will come true,” he concluded. (T2)
