Indonesia Food Security ASEAN Plus Three Strategy
ASEAN Plus Three Must Prioritize Food Security amidst Global Crisis, Says Indonesian Foreign minister
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – IndonesiaS Foreign Minister Sugiono has underscored the critical need for the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) framework to maintain a steadfast focus on food security, citing escalating food-related threats and the pervasive global crisis. speaking at the APT Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday,July 10,Sugiono highlighted the urgency of the situation,referencing stark warnings from the United Nations food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP) regarding acute food insecurity in various regions.
Strengthening Regional Food Reserves and Sustainable Agriculture
Indonesia, according to Minister Sugiono, champions the reinforcement of the APT Emergency Rice Reserve. This initiative is envisioned not merely for emergency distribution but as a strategic cornerstone for fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the coordination of food supply chains across the region.
Addressing Fragile Food Conditions and Supply Chain Disruptions
the minister elaborated on the precarious state of food security within the APT region, attributing the fragility to persistent structural gaps, intricate supply chain challenges, and the disruptive impacts of climate change. he further noted that the dual pressures of rising food prices and inflation are significantly eroding household purchasing power, creating substantial barriers for financially vulnerable families in accessing adequate and nutritious food.
Indonesia’s Proactive Approach to Food Resilience
Beyond the APT Emergency Rice Reserve,Indonesia is actively promoting the enhancement of the ASEAN Food Security Facts System (AFSIS). This initiative, coupled with the cultivation of robust partnerships between governments and the private sector, aims to bolster the region’s overall food resilience.
Lessons from Past Crises and Future Optimism
Drawing parallels with the APT’s instrumental role in navigating the region through the 1997 and 2008 financial crises, minister Sugiono expressed confidence in the framework’s capacity to effectively address the current food crisis. he emphasized that solidarity and cooperation are paramount in safeguarding the economic resilience of the APT nations.
APT as an Anchor for Peace and Stability
The minister concluded by calling for the APT to continue serving as an “anchor for peace and stability,” a collective objective that requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders within the region. Indonesia also conveyed its thankfulness to the Plus Three partners – China, japan, and South Korea – for their unwavering support of ASEAN mechanisms and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).