TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia and China are exploring a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) to allow both countries' agricultural products to be more accessible for one another. Agriculture Minister Suswono said on Monday that said there are four food products from each country presented in this MRA, namely garlic, apples, pears, and citrus from China, as well as bark, mangosteen, avocado, and swallow's nests from Indonesia.
Suswono said that with the MRA, import restrictions will no longer apply to horticulture horticultural products from China. "If the MRA is signed, of course we give [their products] the opportunity to come through Tanjung Priok," said Suswono.
Hardisoesilo, member of the House of Representatives' Commission IV from the Golkar faction, said that the MRA plan with China is against the horticulture import restrictions set by the government. In the Agriculture Minister Regulation No.42/2012 on the Imports of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, the products can only enter through the Port of Belawan, Medan; the Port of Tanjung Priok, Surabaya; the Soekarno Hatta Airport, Tangerang and the Soekarno-Hata Sea Port, Makassar.
He said it is ironic considering that the import restriction was created to prevent fruits and vegetables from entering through Tanjung Priok in a bid allow local products to compete in the market.
Vice Chairman of Commission IV Ibn Multazam questioned the government's consistency in restricting the imports of horticultural products. However, Suswono said Indonesia could not refuse a request for MRA if there are countries that have followed the procedure of filing.
"Besides, this is still a long process that may take up to a year tp verify the food safety," Suswono argued.
Suswono also said that although the MRA with China would allow its products to enter from Tanjung Priok, it does not mean the prices become cheaper, hence pressuring local products.
BERNADETTE CHRISTINA
