Jakarta Supports Increasing Agricultural Exports and Role of Tanjung Priok

Jakarta Vice Governor, Ahmad Riza Patria attended the 2021 Close Export Festival held by the Agriculture Ministry and was attended by 33 provincial governments along with regional police throughout Indonesia online, on Friday (12/31).

synergy between various parties is needed thus the reputation of Tanjung Priok Port as an international port is maintained

The event was centered at Soekarno Hatta Port, Makassar, South Sulawesi, while Vice Governor Ariza and Polda Metro Jaya Chief, Fadil Imran participated in a procession of activities at Maritime Museum, JICT Terminal, and Terminal of Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta.

Vice Governor said the existence of Tanjung Priok Port is one of the sources of economic driving for Jakartans in the fields of transportation, trade, licensing and the food and beverage industry. Hence, he asserted, the Jakarta administration together with Polda Metro Jaya and Tanjung Priok Main Port Authority, as well as all levels of Jakarta's society were ready to support increasing exports of agricultural commodities in order to boost the national economy.

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"Jakarta is not a center for agricultural, livestock and fishery production. However, we're grateful that the largest port in Indonesia, namely Tanjung Priok Port, is located in Jakarta. Therefore, synergy between various parties is needed thus the reputation of Tanjung Priok Port as an international port is maintained, and public services that carry out export activities run smoothly," he expressed, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release.

He then appreciated the ministry which always collaborates with various parties, including the Provincial Government to explore potential and encourage farmers to keep the spirit of production amid the pandemic.

"National food security is maintained and trade in the agricultural sector grows positively when other sectors experienced a decline. For Jakarta, this is certainly very helpful, especially in meeting the food needs of Jakarta residents and food price stability," he explained.

He furthered trade in the agricultural sector which was exported through Tanjung Priok Port continued to grow during the pandemic. It has indirectly helped the economic growth of Jakartans, especially those engaged in transportation, warehousing and trade sectors.

"Thank you to farmers, breeders, agribusiness actors and other stakeholders who have worked hard to meet food needs and increase the country's foreign exchange through the export of agricultural, livestock and fishery products," he continued.

According to statistical data from Jakarta, there are 333 exporters from 32 provinces in Indonesia who export through Tanjung Priok Port. "Last year, the export value of goods through Tanjung Priok Port reached 136.45 trillion. As for the export value of agricultural commodities consisting of livestock, horticulture, forestry, plantations, food crops, fisheries and other sub-sectors reached 1.202 trillion out of 130 types of commodities exported to 71 countries," he explained.

The data indirectly provided an overview of the important role of the Tanjung Priok Port, which is not only seen from the side of trade activities, but is also a window for the Indonesian state in the eyes of the international community. Responding on this matter, the administration would continuously minimize tidal floods that often hits Tanjung Priok Port in order to smoothen the flow of goods to the port.

"Trading and distribution of goods are greatly supported by adequate infrastructure and facilities. Thus, to support the smooth distribution of goods, Jakarta seeks to reduce congestion by implementing integrated transportation policies and flood prevention. Surely, we need support from various parties in realizing the smoothness, security and comfort of exporters who carry out export activities through Jakarta," he added.

Polda Metro Jaya Chief, Fadil Imran uttered, the role of the Polda Metro Jaya in principle is the main entry point for export/import activities in the capital city area. Therefore, his party is ready to guard exports/imports at all guard points.

"This is to avoid cartels that could interfere. Jakarta is not an agricultural area, so we only encourage urban farming. We ourselves have started," he said.

As for the information, in the 2021 Export Closing Festival with the theme 'Synergy Control in Realizing Sustainable and Global Agriculture', the ministry and police export agricultural commodities simultaneously with 33 other provinces in Indonesia. Jakarta alone contributed 61,200 tons of wealth exports in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries amounting to Rp 907 billion.

It was also attended by Agriculture Minister, Syahrul Yasin Limpo; Police Chief, Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and other related officials. While at Tanjung Priok Port, there were officials of Jakarta administration; Tanjung Priok Port Authority Head; Tanjung Priok Harbormaster's Office Head; PT Pelindo General Manager; Police's Security Management Agency Chief; as well as North Jakarta and Tanjung Priok Port Resort Police.