REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo stated that Indonesia would not import rice in 2018. He believes that the country can reach the target as long as all stakeholders in the government are willing to work hard and commit to build the infrastructures.

"We have set the target to the Minister of Agriculture. Hopefully, we will not import food, starting with rice," the former Governor of Jakarta said during National Development Planning Consultation (Musrembangnas) on Thursday, December 18.

He said that it was ironic for an agricultural country like Indonesia to depend on imported rice. After being self sufficient on rice, Jokowi hopes that other food commodity such as sugar, soy and corn will followsuit.

Government will build 49 reservoirs, starting with 13 next year to acvieve the targets. Government will also repair a million hectare of irrigation next year.

"Food sovereignty is a big ambition to reach. However, with great field management, we surely can achieve it," he said.

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