TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti stated that the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Trade Ministry had ignored her recommendations on the importation of 2.17 million tons of industrial salt.

Susi explained the recommendation was based on the fact that the domestic production of salt could still fulfill the domestic demands.

Read: Govt Has No Option But to Import Salt: Minister

“The importation of 3.7 million tons [of salt] is higher than what we recommended. The Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and the Trade Ministry have ignored our recommendations,” said Minister Susi Pudjiastuti during a meeting with House of Representatives Commission IV today.

Minister Susi said that the salt import policy was implemented long before she was appointed as a Minister. She asked for the policy not to be politicized.

“We have imported salt for 15 years, which is why I urge for this policy not to be politicized,” said Susi.

Read: Susi Expects Indonesia Become Largest Ornamental Fish Exporter

Susi Pudjiastuti said that her Ministry has observed and been made aware of the fact that domestic salt production is enough to meet the domestic demands, although price hikes will not be avoidable.

“Prices will indeed rise. But it will be profitable for the domestic farmers,” she said.

Previously on Friday, January 19, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution said after a meeting that the government decided to gradually import 3.7 million tons through several stages depending on the monthly demands.

KARTIKA ANGGRAENI