BPS: Agricultural Exports Increase

Jakarta – The efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) in boosting the value of exports to make a major contribution to national economic growth have actually reaped tangible results. It is proven, based on data released by BPS on June 24 2019, the value of agricultural exports increased by 25.19% compared to last year (year on year) or US$ 0.32 billion.

BPS noted that the increase in the value of agricultural exports was one of the important variables that caused an increase in May 2019 national exports of US$ 14.74 billion, up 12.42% on a monthly basis (Month on Month). As a result, the national trade balance was a surplus of US$ 207.6 million.

“The increase in the value of agricultural exports was mainly due to the increase in the export value of bird nests, coffee, forest plants, aromatics and spices as well as precious base metals,” said Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Suhariyanto at his office, Monday (24/6).

Based on Bloomberg data, the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) dated June 24 2019, the agricultural sector also strengthened 1.95 percent. Even though the JCI generally moved into the red zone or weakened 0.25 percent or 15.92 points to a level of 6,299.51.

In this regard, Chairman of Committee II DPD RI M Aji Mirza Wardana assessed that the increase in the value of agricultural exports and positive performance in May 2019 and this year proved that the policies and programs of the Ministry of Agriculture had not only succeeded in increasing production, but had also significantly increased export values.
Thus, the Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman succeeded in making many proud changes.

“There have been many who are self-sufficient in agricultural commodities. Yes, now many are also able to export,” he said.

“In order for the export achievements of the agricultural sector to continue to increase in the future and increase the types of commodities exported, all components must support the current agricultural program which is good,” he pleaded.

Head of Public Relations and Public Information Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture Kuntoro Boga Andri explained that the sharp increase in export value in May 2019 and the first half of this year was the result of the Ministry of Agriculture’s focus program on increasing economic growth through exports and investment. To encourage exports, one of them is the Ministry of Agriculture issued a policy to facilitate export licensing with a short processing time, which is around 3 hours.

“Whereas previously it took quite a long time, namely 312 hours,” he explained.

According to Kuntoro Boga, one of the implementations of this policy is implementing an in-line inspection service system that will support the development of agricultural areas based on comparative and competitive advantages.