Using Mercu Tap System Technology, Moeldoko Optimistic About Increased Rubber Farmer Productivity
JAKARTADAILY.ID – Presidential Chief of Staff General (Ret.) Moeldoko emphasized the importance of utilizing the latest technology to enhance the productivity of rubber farmers in Indonesia, which ultimately leads to an improved standard of living and economic status for rubber farmers.
Moeldoko mentioned that President Jokowi is also concerned about the condition of rubber farmers. According to Moeldoko, there are two main issues: the decline in prices and the continuous drop in productivity.
“There was even a government policy to buy the harvests from rubber farmers, which is a serious concern,” he said during a working visit to a rubber plantation in Tulang Bawang Barat Regency, Lampung Province, on Monday, May 13, 2024.
According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant prices (ADHK) from the rubber industry, rubber goods, and plastics fell by 7.18 percent, from IDR 16.6 trillion in the second quarter of 2022 to IDR 15.85 trillion in the second quarter of 2023.
Moeldoko, who is also the Chairman of the Indonesian Farmers Harmony Association (HKTI), is striving to increase rubber farmer productivity by collaborating with PT Mercu BioTech Nusantara to use the Mercu Tap System technology.
This technology can increase rubber productivity by up to 300 percent. Additionally, its utilization is feasible in all weather conditions, including those with high rainfall.
“I am confident that this research and technology can bring positive changes to rubber farmers, leading to their prosperity,” he said.
Moeldoko hopes that the pilot project implementation of the Mercu Tap System technology in Tulang Bawang Barat, Lampung, can increase the efficiency and productivity time of farmers, thereby improving the welfare of rubber farmers not only in Lampung but also in other regions.
“Once the results are good, farmers should not go astray. Use the profits to improve their farming conditions, such as purchasing fertilizers,” Moeldoko added.
CEO of Mercu BioTech Nusantara, Dato Sri Ahmad Sukimi, explained that they chose Indonesia for the implementation of this technology due to the country’s significant future economic potential and its status as the second largest rubber plantation area in the world.
“This technology has been studied for 12 years, and we hope it can help improve the welfare of rubber farmers in Indonesia,” he explained.
Dato Sri Ahmad continued, explaining that this technology does not harm rubber trees during the tapping process. Additionally, his company is ready to assist in the implementation of this technology and act as an off-taker. The purchase price for latex could even be significantly higher than current prices.
“We hope that the application of this technology will not stop in Lampung and can soon be implemented on both private and government-owned plantations in Indonesia,” he stated.
Source : https://indonesia.jakartadaily.id/ekonomi-bisnis/69312665663/gunakan-teknologi-mercu-tap-system-moeldoko-optimistis-produktivitas-petani-karet-meningkat?page=2