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Govt 'failing to help farmers'
Theresia Sufa , The Jakarta Post , Bogor | Mon, 09/08/2008 10:57 AM | National
People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid said here Saturday that the government has yet to successfully protect the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen.
Speaking during the Indonesian Prosperous Farmers and Fishermen Association (PPNSI) national leaders' meeting, Hidayat called on the government to help farmers gain access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers and information on crop prices.
"I'm sure governments in every country seek to protect the interests of their citizens, especially on issues related to national interests. Look at the United States which has been very protective of its citizens," he said.
Unfortunately, he added, the Indonesian government was still unable to protect its farmers and fishermen.
"We allow our fish to be stolen from our own waters and we are unable to prevent this crime. Our farmers cannot sell their own crops. Such things have made our farmers and fishermen uncertain of their prospects," Hidayat said.
On the contrary, PPNSI chairman Baran Wirawan said Indonesia must be proud on its success in increasing rice production by 4.6 percent to over 59 million tons.
This success can be a turning point for Indonesian agricultural development. "We hope the increased rice production can boost our rice self-sufficiency," Baran said.
