Minister welcoma Qatari invesment to support milk self-sufficiency

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman welcomed a Qatari agricultural company's interest in investing in the dairy farming sector of Indonesia to meet national milk needs.

"Baladna (a Qatari company) is willing to help us in the free nutritious meal program by investing in dairy farming in Indonesia to meet our milk needs," Sulaiman noted in a statement from his office on Wednesday.

The Qatari company's readiness was conveyed during a discussion between Sulaiman and Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar, Ridwan Hassan.

The two held a talk at Doha International Airport, Qatar, when Sulaiman was in transit to fly to Brazil.

During the discussion, Sulaiman spoke of having sought Baladna's assistance to produce two million tons of milk, to which Hassan responded positively. Hence, Sulaiman gave the green light to Baladna.

The minister explained that an annual milk production capacity of two million tons is expected to reduce the need for imports each year.

In accordance with the Agricultural Blueprint, Indonesia is targeted to achieve milk self-sufficiency in 2029.

Apart from the agriculture issue, Sulaiman also discussed morality regarding the mafia practice in bureaucracy.

In terms of professionalism, the minister emphasized the principle of meritocracy by keeping an employee who works professionally despite the concerned person's view not matching his.

"If we continue to respect people who are professional in their work, then self-sufficiency will be achieved faster," he emphasized.

After his transit, the minister continued his journey to Sao Paulo, Brazil, and to Chapada dos Guimaraes to serve as a speaker and represent Indonesia at the G-20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

At the G-20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting, Sulaiman will deliver Indonesia's key achievements in the agricultural sector.

He will also attend three bilateral meetings, namely with the director general of FAO, Argentina's agriculture minister, and Brazil's agriculture minister.