The Indonesian government is planning to develop Riau Islands province as the main supplier of farm products to Singapore, Antara news agency reported.
“Singapore needs thousands of tonnes of vegetables, fruits and other farm products. Why don’t we supply (the commodities) from here which is only 45 minutes (from Singapore)?” President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said at a working meeting with a number of ministers and Riau Islands provincial government officials here Sunday.
To that end, the president instructed a number of researchers from the Bogor-based Institute of Agriculture (IPB) to study the types of farm products suitable for cultivation in Riau Islands.
He also asked the local government officials to make a plan for special farm land to develop key farm products.
The head of state further reminded all parties of the need to pay attention to environmental conservation efforts in implementing regional development.
“Look at Singapore where buildings are flourishing. Here we still have many green areas with tourist sites,” the president said.
He said the development of farm estates and tourist resorts in Riau Islands might push up the number of tourist arrivals in the region.
Among the ministers attending the meeting were Environment Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta, Industry Minister M.S. Hidayat, Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan, Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad, and Agriculture Minister Suswono.
The others were Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Agung Laksono, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi.
Also present were Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Gita Wirjawan and Chief of the National Economic Committee Chaerul Tanjung.
