Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA Sulsel) - Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said Indonesia has succeeded in reducing dependence on imports for several foodstuff.
Andi said the country has reduced imports of corn by 60 percent, and had stopped imports of chili, rice, and onion.
The country has even become an exporter of red onion, he said here on Saturday without giving details.
He attributed the increase in Indonesia`s production of red onion making the country a net exporter, to the policy lifting onion planting off season.
In addition, the agriculture ministry has launched a revolution in various sectors including in human resources, infrastructure, and in export imports, which are now under control, he said.
Imports are made strictly to meet domestic requirement not only for commercial gain of certain traders, he said.
He suggested that there are always attempts to persuade him to issue a policy allowing imports of certain commodities merely for commercial gain.
"We must not be tempted to such persuasion. We will import when import is needed nothing else," he added.
Andi said the country has reduced imports of corn by 60 percent, and had stopped imports of chili, rice, and onion.
The country has even become an exporter of red onion, he said here on Saturday without giving details.
He attributed the increase in Indonesia`s production of red onion making the country a net exporter, to the policy lifting onion planting off season.
In addition, the agriculture ministry has launched a revolution in various sectors including in human resources, infrastructure, and in export imports, which are now under control, he said.
Imports are made strictly to meet domestic requirement not only for commercial gain of certain traders, he said.
He suggested that there are always attempts to persuade him to issue a policy allowing imports of certain commodities merely for commercial gain.
"We must not be tempted to such persuasion. We will import when import is needed nothing else," he added.