Jokowi Asks Surplus Food to be Redistributed in New Capital

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi asked regions across Indonesia to send surplus food to Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan in support of the new capital project as a center of economic growth. 

“If there’s excess rice, vegetable, or even shallot production, we can send it to IKN,” Jokowi said after inspecting the water pump in Layoa Village, Bantaeng, South Sulawesi on Friday, July 5, 2024. 

"I believe IKN will become the new center for economic growth and we want an economic transformation to occur there, especially related to the green economy.” 

Jokowi conveyed a similar message while inspecting a rice field irrigation system in East Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. At the time, the former Solo Mayor said East Kotawaringin had a critical role as the new capital’s food buffer. "(The food buffer) won’t be East Kotawaringin alone, but also other regions with surplus food production,” he said. 

Statistics Indonesia or BPS reported that East Kalimantan recorded rice production of 125,227 tons in 2023, coming from 116,830 tons from January to September and 8,400 tons of rice production from October to December. North Penajam Paser, where the new capital will be located, noted one of the biggest rice production in the province, along with Kutai Kartanegara and Paser Regency.  

When asked about food self-sufficiency after inspecting the water pump in South Sulawesi today, he said it requires a long process to achieve, especially with the uncertain climate. 

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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