Minister AHY invites GAPKI to collaborate to boost people's economy

Palangka Raya (ANTARA) - Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) invited the Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (GAPKI) to collaborate to increase people's economy and invest.

Minister AHY made his remarks when opening the 7th Borneo Forum with a theme "Safe investment guarantee for sustainable palm oil development” in Palangka Raya city, Central Kalimantan, Friday, based on a press statement from South Kalimantan BPN in Banjarbaru, Friday.

The minister mentioned four things that should be considered in capturing investment opportunities, including certainty, security, stability, and sustainability.

“We have a duty and responsible to provide legal certainty over land. If it is addressed from that fundamental aspect, I think the economic value added will really be felt. So, legal certainty is important and fundamental,” said AHY.

He asserted that ATR Ministry/BPN is fully committed to create conducive climate in business activities by prioritizing environmental sustainability and in accordance with the applicable regulations.

AHY said that Indonesia is taking part in protecting the environment because people need incme and jobs, so that the palm oil plantation industry can absorb workers.

"But on the other hand, we use techniques and methods that maintain and protect our nature and earth,” said ATR Minister/BPN Head.

The Governor of Central Kalimantan Sugianto Sabran also called on entrepreneurs to work together to fight poverty and underdevelopment in the provice, especially around palm oil forest and other plantations.

“For instance, road plasma forest. Poverty can be solved if entrepreneurs open themselves up. Share with the community, care the plasma plantation and this will solve the problems,“ he pointed out.

Regarding effort to improve people's economy, General Chairman of GAPKI Eddy Martono said that entrepreneurs have started to rejuvenate palm oil plantation.

“We plant gogo rice intercropping oil palm plantation that are being rejuvenated. Gogo rice has a high quality and nutritious, so in addition to support food security, this also can reduce stunting. I hope GAPKI members, especially in Central Kalimantan can do this,” said Eddy.

Minister AHY was accompanied by Minister Expert Staff for Community Participation and Regional Government Yulia Jaya Nirmawati, Special Staff and Minister Expert Staff, Head of the Public Relation of ATR Ministry/BPN Lampri, and Head of Central Kalimantan BPN Office Elijas B. Tjahajadi.