Indonesia’s Garlic Production Shortfall: Imports Solving Domestic Demand

Jakarta –

Need garlic in the country every year it reaches 669,000 per tonne. However, Indonesia is only able to produce 23,000 tonnes annually. This was conveyed by Head of the National Food Agency Arief Prasetyo Adi at Commission IV DPR RI.

Arief explained, because of this limited production, Indonesia had to import more than 90% of garlic to meet domestic demand.

“This garlic balance update on the right is an import update until May 29, 2023, domestic production is only 23,000 tons, chairman,” Arief said in a RDP with Commission IV DPR RI, Monday (5/6/2023).

Meanwhile, Indonesia needs 55,000 tons of garlic per month. With domestic production of 23,000 tons, it means that it cannot meet domestic demand.

The chairman of Commission IV DPR RI, Sudin, asked Arief about the need for garlic. “The need is 669,000 tons, so domestic production is 23,000 tons. One month is not enough, is that it?” asked Sudin.

Arief also agreed to Sudin’s question. “Yes, Chief,” he said.

In Arief’s presentation, the government recommended imports of 849,000 tons of garlic. Meanwhile, only 176,000 tons of import permits have been issued from the Ministry of Trade. For the realization or garlic that has entered Indonesia as much as 137,000 tons.

Responding to that, Sudin suspects that there are irregularities behind the high price and depletion of garlic on the market. He also admitted to receiving reports that the supply of garlic in the market was experiencing delays.

“It’s like something is a bit odd. Why do I say it’s odd? Later the trade law will apply again, empty items, prices go up, which also benefits speculators. So that we can be clear about this problem because the market has started to complain about supply being hampered or late,” said he.

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