Kadin: Food Distribution Routes Improvements in Need

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) assess that stapple food distribution routes from upstream to downstream needs to be improved to ensure their availability not only during Ramadan but also in other months.

Kadin Vice Chairman for Food Processing and Livestock Industry Juan Permata Adoe stated that an effective way that can be implemented gradually by the government is the sea toll program initiated by President Joko Widodo.

The disparity of food prices between Eastern and Western part of Indonesia is too wide. According to him, the sea toll for stapple food distribution route will be very effective for Indonesian remote areas in particular.

"The government is preparing the sea tolls supporting infrastructure, including ports and pioneer ships to transport passengers and goods," said Mr. Adoe in Jakarta, Monday (6/6).

To support the distribution route, Transportation Minister Ignatius Jonan said that the government has prepared 100 unit pioneer ships, 30 of which are targeted to be used in 2017.

The ships will be used to increase the number of new routes. In addition, these ships will also be used to increase the number of travel frequency.

The management rights is currently held by Indonesian national shipping company Pelni, which is temporary in nature. The government will evaluate the Pelni’s performance in 2018. If no improvements were made, the government will use the services of other companies, including private companies. (Translator: Siti Chodijah)