We have to thank the farmers says Kalla
Monday, 28 April, 2008 | 14:38 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Bekasi: Vice president Jusuf Kalla has said that Indonesia should be grateful to farmers.

Amidst issues of food insecurity, Indonesia has sufficient supplies for domestic needs.

“We have to thank the farmers. While other countries have been hit by the food crisis, we can fulfill our needs and do not need to import rice this year,” said Kalla today (28/4) at the Islamic Center in Bekasi.

The Vice President was speaking at the 54th graduation ceremony and coordination meeting with the Indonesian Nationalist Students Movement (GMNI).

Also present at the meeting was West Java governor, Deny Setiawan, head of GMNI Edy Rachmadi, and GMNI members from throughout Indonesia.

Kalla said that the farmers are the pillars of this country.

They have an important role especially when countries like the Philippines and Haiti have to depend on other countries for their rice supply.

“If the price of food commodities is still high, it is because world oil prices that have reached US$110 per barrel. But most importantly, we are not in crisis,” said Kalla.

Indonesia, Kalla said, is stable politically, economically, and also in terms of security.

He called on students to also participate in these efforts, especially as regards the economy.

“Do not just hold demonstrations or shout in the streets,” said Kalla.

Kalla said that democracy is not the goal but an approach.

So students should not only demonstrate in the streets but also go to communities to help people.

“Our goal is to make a better life for the people,” he said.

Anton Aprianto